We’re excited to share one of our favorite hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park during the winter months, hiking Bear Lake to Dream Lake. In this post, we’ll guide you through the entire journey – from finding the trailhead to reaching the snow-covered lakes. We’ll cover the trail’s difficulty, what to expect in spring conditions, essential gear, and some fascinating historical tidbits. Plus, we’ll sprinkle in our personal experiences and tips to help you make the most of this breathtaking winter hike. So strap on your micro spikes and join us as we explore one of Rocky Mountain National Park’s most iconic trails!
Table of Contents
Getting There
The trailhead for Bear Lake is easily accessible from the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. Follow Bear Lake Road for about 10 miles until you reach the Bear Lake parking area. Pro tip: arrive early, especially on weekends, as this popular spot fills up quickly. If the lot is full, don’t worry! There’s a shuttle service from the Park & Ride lot.
Trail Difficulty and What to Expect
The Bear Lake to Dream Lake trail is typically considered moderate, but let us tell you, adding snow to the mix amps up the challenge! The trail is about 2 miles round trip with an elevation gain of around 425 feet. In April, we found ourselves trekking through a winter wonderland.
Our journey started at Bear Lake, which was still frozen solid. The sight of this vast, icy expanse surrounded by snow-capped peaks was truly mesmerizing. As we continued, the trail became increasingly snow-covered. This is where our micro spikes came in clutch! If you’re planning a spring hike, we can’t stress enough how essential these are for grip and safety.
The trail winds through a beautiful sub-alpine forest before opening to stunning panoramic views. We crossed several frozen streams, their trickling water barely audible beneath the ice. At one point, Victoria ventured out onto a frozen lake – the expanse of white was mesmerizing, stretching all the way to the tree line.
The real showstopper, though, was the view from higher up the trail. We paused for a photo op with snow-capped peaks in the background, evergreen forests blanketing the lower slopes, and a frozen lake nestled in the valley below. The contrast of the bright snow against the deep green of the pines was simply magical.
Dream Lake, our final destination, was completely frozen over and surrounded by towering peaks. It looked like something out of a fairy tale, and we couldn’t help but feel we’d stepped into a winter wonderland.
A Bit of History
Along the trail, we came across a weathered signpost marking the way to several lakes – Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha. It was a poignant reminder of the trail’s history and the explorers who came before us.
The Bear Lake area has been a favorite among visitors since the early 1900s. It was originally developed as a destination for tourists in the 1910s, with a lodge and dance pavilion (can you imagine dancing here in the snow?). The current trail system was developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal program.
What fascinated us is how this area showcases the park’s geological history. The u-shaped valleys and cirques (bowl-shaped depressions) we saw are remnants of ancient glacial activity, sculpted over thousands of years.
Tips for Your Hike:
- Layer up! The weather can change quickly in the mountains. We found a mix of thermal base layers, fleece, and waterproof outer layers worked well.
- Bring micro spikes or snowshoes for better traction.
- Start early to avoid crowds and afternoon thunderstorms.
- Pack plenty of water and snacks.
- Don’t forget your camera – the views are incredible!
- Wear sunglasses and sunscreen – the snow reflection can be intense.
- Be prepared for deep snow in some areas – waterproof boots are a must!
Our April hike to Dream Lake was an unforgettable experience. The snow added an extra layer of magic to an already beautiful landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a newbie looking for adventure, this trail offers a perfect taste of Rocky Mountain National Park’s winter beauty.
Have you hiked Bear Lake Trail in the snow? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
Bonus! Rocky Mountain National Park Top Hikes!
If you are interested in visiting Rocky Mountain National Park make sure to also check our top hikes in the park during the summer!
Happy trails,
Gus and Victoria
