The Ultimate Guide to Nymph Lake
When planning your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, you’re definitely going to want to make sure you add Nymph Lake to your bucket list. Not only is it one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, but it’s also the first lake you’re likely to see in the Bear Lake Road Corridor. I was amazed at how beautiful this lake was on our trip. As well as being an excellent thing to do as a family, it’s also the perfect hike for beginners too!
Rocky Mountain National Park requires reservations for the 2023 season. To find out more, head to my guide on Rocky Mountain National Park reservations so you know how to get them and you’re prepared before you go!
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Do you have these items for your trip?”]Flights: I recommend CheapOAir ✈️
Car rental: I recommend Rentalcars.com 🚗
Travel insurance: I recommend SafetyWing 🤒
Accommodations: Places to stay near Rocky Mountain National Park 🏨
Activities: Things you have to do 🥾
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What you need to know about hiking Nymph Lake
This guide has everything you need to know about your trip to Nymph Lake in Colorado!
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Quick stats”]Distance: 1.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 262 feet[/vc_cta][vc_column_text]
Map of Nymph Lake
How long is the Nymph Lake hike?
The hike to Nymph Lake is approximately half a mile one way and takes, on average, about 20 minutes to complete. The trail is connected to a few other paths within Rocky Mountain National Park, including the trails to Dream Lake and Emerald Lake. If you wish to travel beyond Nymph Lake, you can hike an additional .6 miles to reach Dream Lake, and from there, Emerald Lake is another .7 miles. Many visitors to Nymph Lake Rocky Mountain National Park do make the decision to visit all three lakes in one go since they are so close to each other.
How difficult is the Nymph Lake hike?
While the Nymph Lake Trail is an uphill hike, it is generally considered to be an easy route that can accommodate most hikers regardless of experience or skill level. The incline along this trail is modest, with a total elevation gain of no more than 235 feet – though some sections may be a bit steeper than others. The route to Nymph Lake is a wide, mostly paved path that is clearly marked from the trailhead and easy to follow.
Please note that even though the trail to Lake Nymph is paved with asphalt, it is not wheelchair accessible at this time.
How do I get to the trailhead for Nymph Lake?
The Nymph Lake RMNP hike begins at Bear Lake Trailhead, which is situated at the end of the Bear Lake Road Corridor. If you enter the park through the Beaver Meadows Entrance, Bear Lake Road will be the first road you encounter on your left. You’ll want to follow this road for approximately nine miles until it dead ends at a parking lot. It’s at the end of this parking lot that you’ll find the Bear Lake Trailhead. Upon entering the trail, you’ll see that it splits into two different paths rather quickly. Given this, you’ll want to be sure to pay attention to the trail’s signage as it points the way to various destinations, including Nymph Lake. You’ll want to follow the path on the left if Nymph Lake, CO, is your intended destination.
What should I know about parking for Nymph Lake?
While there is a parking lot available at the trailhead for Nymph Lake, it does tend to fill up quickly, especially on weekends and in the summer, during peak season. If you are unable to find parking here, there are several other parking lots available further up along Bear Lake Road. You are welcome to park in any of these lots; just keep in mind that doing so will add extra mileage to your hike. In addition to this, there is also a Park and Ride situated about halfway down Bear Lake Road that provides free shuttle service to and from the Nymph Lake Colorado trail. This shuttle service is available from May 27th through October 16th and runs every fifteen minutes between the hours of 6:30 am and 7:00 pm.
Is the Nymph Lake hike good for kids?
Is the Nymph Lake hike good for kids? The hike to Nymph Lake Rocky Mountain National Park, CO, is generally considered to be an easy route and should be suitable for most children. The trail is clearly marked and simple enough to follow, so kids should have no problem tagging along on this hike. That being said, the path does feature a few steep sections, so some children, especially young children, may need assistance navigating the terrain.
It’s important to note that this trail is not accessible, so if you’re visiting the park with young children in strollers, you may need to bypass Nymph Lake, at least for now.
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How to hike Nymph Lake
The Nymph Lake hike begins at Bear Lake Trailhead, which lies at the end of Bear Lake Road. Here you’ll find a parking lot that may or may not be full, depending upon when you visit and the time of day. If you’re hoping to park here, it’s best to come as early as possible to beat the crowds – or you could always plan your visit during the off-season. If the parking lot does happen to be full by the time you arrive, there are several other parking lots available along Bear Lake Road that you can utilize. There is also a Park and Ride with a free shuttle service that runs during the summer months between May and October.
Once you’ve figured out parking, you’ll be all set to head out on the Bear Lake Trailhead. This path, while clearly marked, does split into two trails rather quickly, so you’ll want to pay attention to where you are going. The hike to Nymph Lake veers off to the left, while the Bear Lake Loop travels right around Bear Lake. If you have extra time, you may want to explore the path around Bear Lake, as it can be quite beautiful, especially early in the morning when it’s not so crowded.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Hiking essentials”]Recommended hiking boots: Salomon Quest 4 Gore-tex
Recommended jacket: The North Face Antora Jacket
Recommended hiking poles: Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles
Recommended day pack: Osprey Daylite Pack[/vc_cta][vc_column_text]
Once you take that left turn and pass Bear Lake, you’ll notice that the trail begins to make a steady ascent up the mountain. This gradual uphill climb will remain with you throughout much of the hike until you reach Nymph Lake, where it levels off. The majority of this path is paved, as it receives heavy foot traffic, so you should have no problem identifying and following the trail.
When the pathway levels out, about half a mile into your hike, you will have reached the southern end of Nymph Lake. Here you’re welcome to wander around, explore the lake, and take in all of the sights. If you’re lucky and it’s a clear day, you may even catch a glimpse of Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain. Many visitors will also bring snacks with them and enjoy a picnic along the lake’s shores. This is an especially popular activity in the summer months, when the lake’s yellow pond lilies blossom and bloom, creating a serene but colorful atmosphere for all to enjoy.
That being said, summer isn’t the only time you can enjoy Nymph Lake, as the trail remains open year-round. If you happen to visit during the winter, you’ll be treated to some truly incredible views that feature snow-capped mountains and white landscapes. There are even ranger-led programs that you can join if you’re interested in snowshoeing across the frozen lake.
And, of course, we can’t forget about the other lakes that lie just beyond Nymph Lake. Both Dream Lake and Emerald Lake are just a short walk further down the trail and are well worth checking out if you have time!
Have you ever made it to Nymph Lake? Let me know your favorite part of visiting in the comments!
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”National park essentials”]You’ll need to enter: National parks pass 🎟️
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