Free — you'll pick up right here.

Watch this trail

Sign up to watch it — saving subscribes you to gate, closure and report changes.

Colorado

Emerald Lake Trail

3.1 mi

Distance

632 ft

Gain

No verdict for this trail

We won't guess. Here is exactly what we do and don't know.

What we do know

Inside Rocky Mountain National Park
National Park unit boundary is mapped — agency alerts for it feed this page automatically.
Boundary data

What's missing

No access route mapped
We don't yet know which road reaches this trailhead, so we can't tell you if it's gated.

Nobody's filed a report here yet — be the first.

Why you'll love it

Out & back

Here's your day, mapped

Emerald Lake Trail

AI-suggested draft · review before you go

Building your full AI plan…

Meals

Building your meal plan…

Gear for the day

Building your gear list…

Elevation & route

Distance: 3.1 mi
Elevation gain: 632 ft

More about this trail ↓

Photos

Directions & GPX

Get Directions to Trailhead Parking

Permits & access

Managing agency: National Park Service

About this trail

Emerald Lake Trail is a 1.6-mile out-and-back hike located in Colorado, managed by the National Park Service. This short trail offers an accessible option for hikers of varying abilities seeking to explore the region's natural features. The out-and-back format allows hikers to turn back at any point, making it suitable for families and those with time constraints. The trail's relatively modest distance makes it ideal for a quick outing or as part of a larger day of exploration. Being managed by the National Park Service, the trail is maintained to agency standards and benefits from their stewardship and infrastructure. Whether you're planning a brief nature walk or looking to combine this hike with other nearby trails, Emerald Lake Trail provides a straightforward hiking experience in Colorado. Check current conditions with the National Park Service before your visit, as trail status may vary seasonally. Bring adequate water and sun protection, and plan your visit during daylight hours to ensure a safe experience on this scenic route.

Add to a trip & share

Keep exploring — more trails worth the drive

Bear Lake Trail

~0 min drive

0.7 mi · Easy

Glacier Gorge Trail

~1 min drive

11 mi · Moderate

Fern Lake Trail

~1 min drive

15 mi · Hard

RMNP Shuttle Stop - Bierstadt Trailhead & Parking

~2 min drive

<h3>Bierstadt Lake Parking Area and Shuttle Stop are Temporarily Closed Until Further Notice for the Construction of a New Vault Toilet</h3> <br /> The Park & Ride Shuttle Stop is the closest stop to Bierstadt Trailhead on the Bear Lake Shuttle Route. Park & Ride is located 1.…

Longs Peak

~9 min drive

Standard route to Longs Peak (14,255 ft) from Longs Peak Trailhead (Keyhole Route).

Bear Lake

~0 min drive

<p>Bear Lake Road ends 9.2 miles from the junction with Trail Ridge Road at the Parking Area for Bear Lake. From the parking area, take a short walk on a marked path to reach Bear Lake itself. Bear Lake offers spectacular scenic views of Bear Lake, Hallett Peak and the surroun…

Flat Top Mountain Trail

~4 min drive

8.5 mi · Moderate

Longs Peak Trail

~9 min drive

A 13.66-mile out-and-back trail in Colorado that connects to the East Longs Peak Trail system.

Astronomy in the Park at Park & Ride

~5 min drive

<h3>Astronomy in the Park</h3> Join us on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park at Park & Ride Parking Area for an evening under the stars. The program begins at 8:30 p.m. and ends at 11 p.m.<br /> <br /> <strong>Astronomy in the Park will take place on the following d…