A Snowy Hike to Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lake at RMNP

After hiking Bierstadt Lake the day before, we were back at the Bear Lake Trailhead eager for more adventure.  This particular morning we had plans to hike to Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lake.  It was in the 30's when we started the hike.  The ground was covered in snow.  The lakes were mostly still frozen over. It snowed off and on the whole way there and back (3.6 miles round trip).  It was a magical day and literally felt like we were walking in a winter wonderland.  If I had to choose my top highlight from the whole trip, it would be this stunning morning hike.  I think the snow was the main factor.  We most definitely savored the moment.  I'll never forget it!

 

Starting out at the Bear Lake Trailhead.  

 

 

off we go 

 

oh how I love these two sons of mine! 

 

feeling a little chilly 

 

First stop- Nymph Lake 

 

our family at Nymph Lake 

 

 

Nymph Lake 

 

the backside of Nymph Lake 

 

It felt like Christmas! 

 

Ben catching snowflakes on his tongue. 

 

hiking to Dream Lake 

 

loving that snowfall 

 

 

We all loved seeing and hearing the creeks. It was very peaceful, especially with the snow falling. 

 

definitely a winter wonderland 

 

 

 

first view of Dream Lake 

 

Dream Lake 

 

Dream Lake 

 

us at Dream Lake 

 

Dream Lake 

 

Dream Lake 

 

off to Emerald Lake 

 

We saw countless ice cycles on this hike.

 

snowball  

 

following footsteps

Thankfully we were not the first ones hiking the trail that morning. 

  

At some point Cruz got his knife out and showed me that it was his knife from my dad.  It made me smile!  I thought of my dad and my brother that morning as I hiked.  It was the one year anniversary of my brother's death.

 

hiking to Emerald Lake 

 

There was such beautiful scenery all along the way. 

 

arriving at Emerald Lake 

Most all of it was still frozen (and slippery!)

 

Ben with a frozen Emerald Lake behind him. 

 

our family at Emerald Lake 

 

resting before we hiked back down 

 

a photo at Dream Lake on the return hike 

 

a "dreamy" Dream Lake 

 

my boys at Dream Lake 

 

 

We had planned to make it to Lake Haiyaha also, but somehow missed the trail turn to get there. Instead, we returned to the car for a picnic lunch and then set out for Alberta Falls.  I'll share about that hike next. 

 

 

video footage of our snowy hike to Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lake