Today’s venture begins when entering Rocky Mountain National Park just as the sun rises, casting a golden glow over the rugged peaks. Our first destination is the Bear Lake area, one of the most popular and picturesque spots in the park. The drive itself is a treat, with winding roads offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Upon reaching Bear Lake, we’ll take a moment to absorb the serene beauty of the area. The lake’s mirror-like surface reflects the towering peaks and lush forests, creating a perfect postcard scene. We’ll take a leisurely walk around the lake, stopping frequently to take photos and admire the scenery. The crisp morning air is invigorating, and the tranquility of the lake sets the perfect tone for the day ahead. After soaking in the beauty of Bear Lake, we set off on our hike to the Haiyaha Lakes via the Nymph Lake Trail. The trailhead is conveniently located near Bear Lake, making it an easy transition from our morning stroll. The hike begins with a gentle ascent through a dense forest of pine and aspen trees, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze. As we climb higher, we arrive at Nymph Lake, our first stop along the trail. This small, enchanting lake is dotted with water lilies and surrounded by lush vegetation. The water’s surface reflects shades of green and blue, changing with the angle of the sunlight. We pause here to rest and take in the peaceful ambiance, snapping photos of the beautiful landscape. Continuing our hike, the trail becomes steeper and more challenging, but the effort is rewarded with increasingly stunning views. The forest opens up to reveal expansive vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. We pass through Dream Lake, another gem along the trail, where the water is so clear that we can see the rocky bottom and the fish swimming below. As we reach the Haiyaha Lakes, the culmination of our hike, we are greeted by an otherworldly sight. The lakes are known for their vibrant, ever-changing colors, ranging from deep turquoise to bright emerald, depending on the time of day and the angle of the sunlight. The surrounding boulders and cliffs add to the dramatic beauty of the scene, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
After spending some time at the Haiyaha Lakes, we begin our descent back to Bear Lake. The return journey offers a different perspective on the trail, with the changing light casting new shadows and highlighting different aspects of the landscape. We take our time, enjoying the hike and stopping frequently to take in the views and snap more photos. Back at Bear Lake, we take another leisurely walk around the lake, noticing how the light has changed since the morning, creating a new and equally beautiful scene. The reflections on the water are different now, with the afternoon light creating a warm, golden hue.
We find a perfect spot to watch the sunset, the sky ablaze with hues of orange, pink, and purple. The fading light casts a magical glow over the mountains, creating a serene and awe-inspiring end to our day in Rocky Mountain National Park. As the stars begin to twinkle in the night sky, we’ll make our way back, our hearts full of the day’s adventures and the memories we’ve created in this beautiful wilderness.
Meals included – Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Drive time – 3 hours