Dream Lake

Lake Estes Park, Colorado, United States

What to expect

Dream Lake is a high alpine lake located in Rocky Mountain National Park in northern Colorado. It is known for its views caused by surrounding steep cliffs and is a popular destination for casual hiking and winter snowshoeing. The lake is at the base of Hallett Peak and is one of the most-photographed lakes in the area. The trail to Dream Lake is a 2.2-mile round trip with an elevation gain of 425 feet, and it passes through aspen groves and ponderosa pine. Along the way, hikers can also visit Nymph Lake, which is filled with lily pads in the summer months

Plan your family visit to the Dream Lake with these blog insights 👇

The Best Kid-Friendly Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park

This family's experience:

Activities: We stopped at Dream Lake, a larger lake surrounded by large rocks and boulders, and had lunch there

Highlights: The kids enjoyed the views, the birds and squirrels, and the lunch at Dream Lake ✨

Road Trip Itinerary - Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park (One Day Trip)

This family's experience:

Activities: We hiked to Dream Lake, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wildflowers

Highlights: The kids loved spotting wildlife and taking in the scenic views, while the adults appreciated the challenging hike and beautiful scenery ✨