Ah, Rocky Mountain National Park. I was completely mesmerized the first time I visited Rocky Mountain National Park. The snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and crisp mountain air that makes your lungs sing. And let me tell you, it lives up to the hype, especially on a glorious sunny day in Summer conquering the ever-so-slightly-challenging (but totally rewarding) hike on the Lake Haiyaha Trail.
This is your ultimate guide on how to have the most fun on the Lake Haiyaha Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park.
How Hard is Lake Haiyaha Trail
The hike to Lake Haiyaha is considered moderately challenging. It’s a 4.2 mile round trip with some elevation gain, but totally doable for most hikers in decent shape. The payoff is a stunning alpine lake with a stunning blue color, surrounded by mountains. Just be sure to wear good shoes and bring plenty of water!
Lake Haiyaha Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park
| Distance: 4.0 miles | Time: 2 hours | Elevation: 846 ft | |||
| Route Type: Out & Back | Difficulty: Moderate | Rating: 🌟4.8 | |||
| Alpine Lake to Jump Into ✅ Mountains ✅ Panoramic Views ✅Waterfalls ✅ | |||||
| Highlights: Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, Lake Haiyaha, Waterfalls, Elk, Views of Longs Peak, Shade Cover | |||||
Lake Haiyaha Trail Reservations
If you are visiting Lake Haiyaha Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park between May 26 – Oct 22, 2023 timed entry permit reservations are required. You will want to get a pass that includes Bear Lake Corridor Road.
What to Pack for Lake Haiyaha Trail
This ain’t no walk in the park (although, there’s plenty of walking involved). Here’s what I shoved into my backpack, feeling every bit the rugged outdoorsman:
- Mighty Boots: Sturdy hiking boots are a must. You’ll be traversing some rocky terrain, and trust me, happy feet are key to a happy hike.
- Hydration Hero: Water bottle? I brought a whole hydration reservoir in my backpack. Stayed hydrated, felt like a total pro.
- Sun Slayer: Don’t underestimate the mountain sun. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are your best friends.
- Snack Attack: Because what’s an adventure without trail mix? I also stashed a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (because, priorities).
- Camera Crusader: Gotta capture those epic mountain vistas, right?
- National Park Pass: Don’t be that guy. Get your pass beforehand. Truuuuust me. You can get a National Park Pass for $80 that gets you access to all National Parks for one year or you can pay a one time $30 fee for one time entrance into the park.
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Embarking on Lake Haiyaha Trail
You will come across more than one lake on the Lake Haiyaha Trail. You will get a chance to see 3 lakes for the price of 1 hike!
Bear Lake Trailhead> Nymph Lake>(split into Dream Lake & Emerald Lake)> Lake Haiyaha
The trail will begin at Bear Lake Trailhead. The initial stretch is a paved path winding through a beautiful lodgepole pine forest. (It was like stepping into a fairytale).
After a leisurely stroll (okay, maybe not that leisurely, there’s an altitude!), you will reach the junction for Dream Lake and Lake Haiyaha. Here’s where things get interesting.
The path towards Lake Haiyaha takes steeper turn, weaving through towering pines and offering glimpses of the majestic Longs Peak. My lungs started working a little harder, but the payoff? Breathtaking.
Finally, after a good hour and a half of moderate huffing and puffing through a wonderland of wildflowers( if your visiting in summer, that is) and towering rock formations, you will emerge into a scene that will take your breath away (as it did mine, or maybe that was the altitude).
Getting up to Haiyaha gets a little tricky as you have to climb over some pretty huge boulders. It’s so worth it, though.
Lake Haiyaha will shimmer like a sapphire jewel, nestled amidst a cirque of towering granite cliffs. The crystal-clear water reflected the snow-capped peaks, creating a picture of pure, unadulterated beauty.
This is where you find a flat rock by the shore, spread out your feast and soak it all in. The silence is profound, broken only by the lapping of the water and the occasional chirp of a bird.
Parking at Lake Haiyaha Trail
First off – if you see signs saying the Bear Lake Trailhead Parking is full, drive up there and check anyways. I drove up and was told there was no parking, went back down and circled back up and all of the sudden 3-5 spots were open.
There are free shuttle services that you can utilize as well, so you save time parking. They run every 7 minutes. This service runs 7am to 7PM and more information on the RMNP shuttle bus routes can be found at this link.
We got to the trailhead at a sharp 6 AM on a Monday morning in July, and the parking lot had about 7- 10 cars already. Make sure to bring headlamps if you plan to venture out early.
Tips for Your Trip to Lake Haiyaha Trail
- Hit the Trail Early(between 6 and 9 AM): Especially during peak season (summer), the trail can get crowded. Starting your hike early ensures a quieter experience and better parking.
- Bring Layers: Mountain weather can be unpredictable. Pack layers so you can adjust to changing temperatures.
- Respect the Wildlife: These are wild animals, not Disney characters. Keep a safe distance and avoid feeding them.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all your trash and leave the area as pristine as you found it
Lessons Learned
By the time I reached the parking lot, my legs were jelly, my face sun-kissed (okay, maybe a little sunburned), and my heart brimming with a newfound appreciation for the magic of the Rockies.
Here are some sage words (well, maybe not that sage) from your friendly neighborhood hiker:
- Embrace the Challenge: Don’t be intimidated by the “moderate” difficulty rating. It’s a challenging but totally doable hike, and the reward is more than worth it.
- Take Breaks (and Channel Your Inner Yogi): There are plenty of scenic spots to stop and catch your breath. Strike a yoga pose, take in the view, and feel like one with nature (or at least a slightly sweaty version of one).
- Celebrate the Small Victories: Reaching a new viewpoint? High five yourself! Conquered a particularly steep incline? Do a victory dance (just watch out for loose rocks!).
Conclusion
This hike is stunning! Heavily trafficked, albeit, but absolutely stunning. I would say the beginning of the trail to get to Nymph and Dream is relatively easy. Afterward, getting up to Haiyaha gets a little tricky as you have to climb over some pretty huge boulders. It’s so worth it, though. The lake is a stunning emerald-green color and the perfect place to sit in the sun and enjoy the views.
If you’re looking for an adventure that will leave you breathless (both literally and figuratively), then the hike to Lake Haiyaha is for you. It’s a challenging yet rewarding experience that will connect you with nature’s beauty and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
