At 12,486 ft., Otis Peak dominates the skyline. Stay … 0.5 miles. For our journey to Lake Haiyaha, we have to backtrack 0.6 miles, down past Dream Lake to Glacier Trail Junction, where the trail crosses Tyndall Creek. Round trip gets 4.67 miles under your feet and, according to my Garmin … 8 4. Just before reaching Dream Lake, the trail to Lake Haiyaha branches left (south), and begins a climb of about 3/10 mile up the side of Hallett Peak. Bear Lake Trailhead: Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes, 6.95 miles (includes unimproved segments), +981' net elevation gain (+1,231' total roundtrip elevation gain), N40 17.844 W105 38.762 — Split for unimproved trail to Lake Haiyaha, N40 18.013 W105 38.934 — Continuing towards Lake Haiyaha, N40 18.082 W105 39.054 — Sign for Lake Haiyaha, continue towards Lake, N40 18.077 W105 39.185 — Continuing on through forest, N40 18.216 W105 39.386 — Cross creek on footbridge; trail hairpin turns west, N40 18.253 W105 39.465 — Final marked split to Lake Haiyaha, N40 18.224 W105 39.632 — Final approach through large boulder field. Upon reaching Dream Lake, the trail moves up a southward slope, into the Chaos Canyon drainage, and arrives at Lake Haiyaha, located at the timberline along Chaos Creek. The trail branches off just before reaching Dream Lake and rises to a switchback and around a ridge with more terrific views of the Glacier Gorge and Longs Peak. The trail reaches an outdated 'End of Trail' / directional sign for Haiyaha near a small pond (2.6 miles : 9,880'); simply follow the sign's guidance and continue on. For 0.9 miles we gain about 325 feet in altitude, most of that gain being in the first half. Go straight for Loch Vale (0.8 mi. The view of Lake Haiyaha and the surrounding mountain peaks is simply breathtaking. You can either follow the tracks through the snowfield or you can follow an alternative track that heads straight up the mountainside, avoiding the snowfield all together. The hike to Lake Haiyaha begins at the Bear Lake Trailhead. Beautiful hike and many lakes with generous views. The Lake Haiyaha hike can be connected into a larger loop connecting Dream Lake with the Glacier Gorge Trail towards The Loch. The trail gradually climbs until Alberta falls, which you’ll reach after 1.2km. 0. Follow the road for about 16.1km until it ends at the Bear Lake Trailhead. It makes a hairpin turn west (left) over the third bridge (2.9 miles : 10,065') and steepens up uneven switchbacks to the Lake Haiyaha - Dream Lake Trail split (3.2 miles : 10,184'). Gain 225 ft. ... You may choose to make a loop by using both the road and trail, or you may follow either route in both directions. From the Bear Lake trailhead, hang a left, following the well-marked signs towards Nymph Lake. Snowshoeing to Lake Haiyaha. 0 2. This trail will take you past Lake Haiyaha. As with any loop, this can be hiked clockwise or counter clockwise. Beginning at Bear Lake; Alberta Falls – @ .8 miles; Glacier Gorge Junction – @ 1.7 miles; Loch Vale/Haiyaha Junction – @ 2.2 miles Lake Haiyaha – @ 4.3 miles At times, it will be teeming with risen fish rather easy to … It’s truly an amazing sight. This trail is breath taking and worth every mile. Avoid the temptation to hike the Bear Lake Trail until after you return from the main hike you are trying to do. The trail climbs steeply up the north aspect of the mountain slope. Stay right here and follow the path for ~0.25 miles to the southeastern shore of Lake Haiyaha (~1.9 miles from the trailhead). The trail to Haiyaha Lake is one of the most popular trails in the state if not all of the National Parks. Less trafficked than emerald lake, I visited it a year ago. 1. Trail Description: The trail to Lake Haiyaha follows the Emerald Lake trail from the Bear Lake parking lot. The river shows the massive damage caused by a dam failure in 1982 that claimed the lives of three campers. The trail crosses three small footbridges in quick succession just past an opening in the forest along a south-facing slope. This section of steep trail is not well defined and is more of a ‘social’ trail finding the path of least resistance. From Emerald Lake, retrace your steps back down to the Lake Haiyaha and Dream Lake junction and follow the trail to the right towards Lake Haiyaha. This loop hike visits Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, Dream Lake and Lake Haiyaha, as well as Alberta Falls. Lake Haiyaha can alternatively be reached via the Bear Lake Trailhead (3.9 miles roundtrip). After about ½ mile of relatively level hiking, trekkers will reach a trail junction. Emerald Lake, Lake Haiyaha and Alberta Falls Loop Trail map, courtesy of the National Park Service The trailhead starts from the western end of the parking lot. The hike is most often started at Bear Lake due to shorter hiking distance and more established trail. The Lawn Lake trail climbs to a pair of beautiful alpine lakes (Lawn Lake and Crystal Lake) along the course of the Roaring River. (Grab a trail map from a ranger as it will come in handy.) This has got to be one of the most beautiful places on earth! As you wrap around the mountain, Longs Peak will become visible off in the distance. 5 backcountry sites along the trail before the Lake. After hiking 2.4km, you’ll reach the Mills Lake intersection. Expect rough footing on the final .25 mile approach, especially under winter conditions. The Glacier Gorge Trailhead is located 8.4 miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station on Bear Lake Road. Views from the Lake Haiyaha Trail. Hikers should have little trouble on this lightly used alternative through a cluttered, unspoiled forest. Haiyaha is an indigenous Indian word meaning 'rock', which aptly describes this secluded, boulder-riddled lake setting in lower Chaos Canyon. 9. Past Nymph Lake the trails climbs again to Dream Lake. Want to find more amazing hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park? Trail Description: The hike to Lake Haiyaha in Rocky Mountain National Park begins from the Bear Lake Trailhead, located at the end of Bear Lake Road, 9 miles from the turn-off at Highway 36. Eventually, the ‘social’ trails will reconvene into a single well-defined trail that traverses around the slope above a small cliff band. Lake Haiyaha, Colorado is an epic hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. After hiking for about a 1.6km, the trail will split. Easy unsubscribe links are provided in every email. This has got to be one of the most beautiful places on earth! The trail from Bear Lake Trailhead to Emerald Lake is quite popular. The trail is shorter, has less elevation gain and is fully maintained. Take an immediate left from the busy Bear Lake Trailhead and follow the signs for Emerald Lake. From the junction, the trail takes us south and we flank Hallet Peak. The Glacier Gorge Trailhead is located on the left side of the road and has limited parking. Copyright © 2020 10Adventures Inc. All rights reserved. After continuing on the trail for approximately another .5 mile, hikers will reach a trail split. 1. This lake was one of the most beautiful lakes I have ever seen and the setting is idyllic. Stay on the main trail, staying to the right and then make a left at the next intersection that shortly follows, following the signs for Alberta Falls. Additional parking and alternative access can be found at the Bear Lake Trailhead. There are some rocks on the path and some really awesome overlooks along the way. Lake Haiyaha is accessed from the Bear Lake Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. 8. Follow the Emerald Lake Trail for 0.5 miles to Nymph Lake, and then another 0.6 miles to a junction with the Lake Haiyaha Trail at Dream Lake. Bear left and ascend the trail up a steep spruce- and fir-covered mountainside to Haiyaha Lake. n Lake Flattop Mountain Lake Haiyaha Lake Helene Mills Lake Nymph Lake Sky Pond Sprague Lake Loop The Loch The Pool All Glacier Gorge trails can be accessed f r om Bear Lake. Look for summer raspberries amid the boulders. ), and head right to Lake Haiyaha, 1.9 miles from this point.. Worth the effort. Perfect view of the lake with the beautiful mountains on the back. Trip Reports Just after the pay station, turn left on Bear Lake Road. Lake Haiyaha is accessible from two popular trailheads in Rocky Mountain National Park: The Bear Lake Trailhead provides a maintained and more direct route, while the Glacier Gorge Trailhead follows a longer, slightly more challenging one that includes 1.3 miles of unimproved trail. Bluebird Lake offers amazing panoramic views…, Hiking to The Loch in RMNP takes you to a large alpine lake at the intersection between Andrews Glacier and…, Today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. The trail to lake Haiyaha hugs the right shore of the lake before climbing up in elevation as the trail traverses along the steep mountainside. About 0.1 miles past this is the junction with the Lake Haiyaha Trail (right) and the trail leading down towards Glacier Gorge (left). List and Waypoints on the Alberta Falls – Lake Haiyaha Loop Hike. The unimproved trail undulates - abruptly at times - through a busy subalpine forest. Lake Haiyaha Trail - Rocky Mountain NP - Located 4.1 miles away, on the Mchenrys Peak Topo Map Chasm Lake Trail - Rocky Mountain NP - Located 4.3 miles away, on the Longs Peak Topo Map Deer Ridge Trail - Rocky Mountain NP - Located 4.4 miles away, on the Estes Park Topo Map 7 1. You will know you are getting close when the trail opens up to a boulder field where you will navigate to the beginning of Lake Haiyaha. Lake Haiyaha Trail Area. Follow the sign with directions to Lake Haiyaha at the foot of Dream Lake. Looking across Chaos Canyon Hallett Peak soars upwards. 5. Download the free Mchenrys Peak topo map. 9. From Estes Park, take highway 36 west and enter RMNP at the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. In winter, Lake Haiyaha has some of the most unique ice formations in the park. Lake Haiyaha is quite a steep trail but well worth the amazing alpine lake nestled into a panoramic mountain cirque! A strenuous snowshoe in the winter. 8 3. The snow made everything looked so fluffy. I couldn't ask for more. 1. Camping is allowed in the backcountry, permits are required and can be obtained at the NP Visitors Center. Warning: number_format() expects parameter 1 to be float, string given in /var/www/10Adventures/version/1608335827/wp-content/themes/adventures/functions.php on line 1361. The glacier filled lake I think is the most immaculate lake. Due to the extreme popularity of the area you may want to consider using the free park shuttle to reach the trailhead during peak tourist season. Follow the sign with directions to Lake Haiyaha at the foot of Dream Lake. The trail climbs steeply up the north aspect of the mountain slope. It was nice to veer off on the trail to Lake Haiyaha which is much less traveled, The views of the Bear Lake area and Morraine Valley are quite spectacular as you make the tough ascent to the lake. Become a Contributor at 10Adventures and share your adventures! Compare elevation, range, calories and other trail … The trail to lake Haiyaha hugs the right shore of the lake before climbing up in elevation as the trail traverses along the steep mountainside. The hike is hard but worth it! 8. The Lake Haiyaha Trail is located 8.9 miles from Estes Park, Colorado (CO) in Rocky Mountain National Park. Comments. Trail Photos Both paths reconnect and continue towards Lake Haiyaha. No horses are allowed beyond this point. It follows the same main trail that leads hikers up to both Nymph and Dream Lakes. There are huge boulders circling the whole lake – with an obvious reward in the middle of Chaos Canyon. Will not show on comments list. The trail to Lake Haiyaha begins at the Bear Lake parking lot and follows the trail to Dream Lake. As you reach Haiyaha Lake, you will notice that the shoreline is quite rugged. This hike starts at the crowded Bear Lake trailhead but you can ditch the bulk of the less adventurous hikers by heading straight for Lake Haiyaha. The Lake Haiyaha Trail is a historic hiking trail in Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park, Colorado.The trail is also known as, or subsumes, Nymph Lake Trail and Dream Lake Trail.It goes from Bear Lake up past Nymph Lake, then past Dream Lake, up to Lake Haiyaha.. 6 5. This is a very finicky lake to fish. Print Trail From the Bear Lake Trailhead, hikers will reach Nymph Lake at .5 mile in. 3. Only used to identify you to ProTrails. Lake Haiyaha - 6.95 Miles Round-Trip Lake Haiyaha is accessible from two popular trailheads in Rocky Mountain National Park: The Bear Lake Trailhead provides a maintained and more direct route, while the Glacier Gorge Trailhead follows a longer, slightly more challenging one that includes 1.3 miles of unimproved trail.. Hallet Peak (12,713') and Otis Peak (12,486') stand over Lake Haiyaha on the Continental Divide; the glacier between them carved out this canyon millennia ago, churning and depositing boulders throughout the basin: The Loch Vale Trail rises steadily through young aspen and mixed pine to Alberta Falls (.85 miles : 9,423'). The trail drops to Glacier Junction, where you'll bear right (north) onto the unimproved trail to Lake Haiyaha. The trail begins alongside Bear Lake and ascends westward towards Tyndall Gorge, passing Nymph Lake along the way. Once there, the trail moves up a southward slope into the Chaos Canyon drainage and arrives at Lake Haiyaha, located at timberline along Chaos Creek. The two peaks that stand out from all the other ones are the Otis Peak (3806m)  on your left and the Hallet Peak (3875m) on your right. In between the two magnificent mountains is the Chaos Canyon. It's breathtaking. Sit on rocks along the edge of the peaceful lake and enjoy the stunning scenery. See the Dream Lake trail description for details. Lake Haiyaha – 3.9mi / 6.3km This gorgeous lake sits in the surreal boulder fields of Chaos Canyon. Trail Map The northeast corner provides the most direct views up Chaos Canyon. Lake Haiyaha's (3.45 miles : 10,221') shore is guarded by large boulders and talus, requiring nimble feet and minor scrambling to move about. Directions: Bear Lake is located at the end of Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. Chaos Creek exits Lake Haiyaha from its northeast corner; those with good navigational skills can follow it a very short distance down valley to the seldom visited, Those seeking a comparably long dayhike with more points of interest can create a 6 mile loop by starting at the. Beautiful lake. We prefer hiking it clockwise with the following waypoints. Lake Haiyaha Trail is a 1.06 mile one way hike with 451 feet accumulated elevation gain. It’s about 1 mile (1.6 km) from Dream Lake to Lake Haiyaha, but it was slow going in the winter so it felt much longer. After hiking for about a 1.6km, the trail will split. A moderate climb continues to the North Longs Peak Trail split (1.6 miles : 9,768'), where it banks southwest and levels through a narrow gorge between Thatchtop Mountain (12,668') and the Glacier Knobs. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You can contact ProTrails directly through our Facebook or Instagram accounts. Despite its unmaintained classification the trail is fairly well defined and easy to follow (remain vigilant as snow, overgrowth, or animal tracks can obscure the path). Note: It is extremely important not to feed, approach, or disturb wildlife within the park. This moderate trail switchbacks trough a dense pine forest and offers some amazing views of the Glacier Basin area. 4. Along the way hikers will pass several stunning lakes, including Bear Lake and Nymph Lake. Once you arrive at Nymph Lake, about a half-mile from the trailhead, you’ll be able to see the top of Hallett Peak which is also the direction towards Dream Lake and Emerald Lake. Once you reach Lake Haiyaha prepare yourself for breathtaking scenery. The trail is roughly 4 miles round trip up pretty easy terrain. 5 1. The trail to Lake Haiyaha is located on your way to Bear Lake, off to the left, just before reaching the shore viewing area of Bear Lake. Due to the extreme popularity of the area you may want to consider using the free park shuttle to reach the trailhead during peak tourist season. The trail loops out and around into the Chaos Creek drainage. To get back to the Bear Lake trailhead, return the way you came by retracing your steps. The hike to Lake Haiyaha is a classic trail which offers you breathtaking rewards in exchange for your hard effort. It’s easy to see why: Lake Haiyaha Trail is one of the best trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, especially during winter. More on Lake Haiyaha trail... Nymph Lake. Lodging Availability. August and June are the best Lake Haiyaha. This is a fantastic loop option. Rocky Mountain National Park Visitor Information: 970.586.1206. Located 28 miles northwest of Boulder Colorado. Check out Chasm Lake hike or the Sky Pond and Lake of Glass hike. There is a fee to enter the park through this entrance. To the left is the short but steep ascent to Mills Lake (0.6 mi.). Elev. The mountains that create the backdrop are the beginnings of Chaos Creek. Hikers can also choose to head towards Loch Vale from Bear Lake by bearing left at Dream Lake. The hike to Mills Lake is an easy, busy trail that is perfect for a family walk, or you can…, The Bluebird Lake hike is in the lesser known Wild Basin area of RMNP. This will add an additional 1 mile roundtrip to the hike. The hike up to Lake Haiyaha shares a trail with that of Nymph, Dream, + Emerald Lakes, only splitting to the left a mere 100 yards from Dream Lake. Once on the south-facing side of the mountain, you have been wrapping around, you will encounter a snowfield with a steep drop off. Lake Haiyaha is also accessible from Glacier Gorge Trailhead by hiking nearly 2 miles to where the trails to Mills Lake and Loch Vale split. At this point, follow the marked unimproved trail leading north to Lake Haiyaha. This trail stands a head above in terms of ecological variety, accessibility, and kid friendliness. Tell us when your experience with this trail happened. The trail begins alongside Bear Lake and climbs westward towards Tyndall Gorge, passing Nymph Lake along the way. Add 0.1 miles to trail distance. Lake Haiyaha has some good fishing and just above the lake … From Estes Park, take the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station entrance into the park. Anticipate more traffic, however, as much of the route is shared by those venturing to Dream and Emerald Lakes. No spam. A perfect place to enjoy the wilderness on your own. Take a few steps off trail into clearings by the pond for good views of the Continental Divide. From Steve Schweitzer's A Fly Fishing Guide To Rocky Mountain National Park, flyfishingrmnp.com: Lake Haiyaha is only one of two lakes in the Park that have Yellowstone cutthroat. Bear Lake Trailhead – Dream Lake, and Lake Haiyaha | 3.9 Miles One Way. 5. Hiking along the trail, you may see elk bedded down among trees near the trail or along the stream. Lake Haiyaha is a beautiful alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, but lacks the crowds of nearby Dream and Emerald lakes. Directions to Trailhead. The trail was built between 1930 and 1935 by landscape architect Allison van V. Dunn of the National Park Service. Trail Map | Photo Gallery. Just beyond the Beaver Meadows entrance station, turn left onto Bear Lake Road. 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