Bear Lake to Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes

It strings together three alpine lakes: Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake. The full out-and-back is about 3.6 miles and rates easy to moderate, and most hikers spend two to three hours on it.

Bear Lake sits right at the start. A gentle loop of about 0.7 miles circles this small mountain lake, with views of the peaks around it and a first look at the lower edge of the subalpine zone. The loop is easy to add on to the longer lake hike.

From the trailhead, the path climbs through groves of aspen and pine. Nymph Lake comes first, roughly a 1 mile round trip. Dream Lake follows at about 2.2 miles round trip, beneath the high wall of Hallett Peak. Emerald Lake marks the end of the trail, tucked into the mountains at 3.6 miles round trip. You don't have to go all the way, since turning back at Dream Lake still makes for a full outing.

The short distance and modest elevation gain make this a good choice for families and for a first hike in the park. It is also a sensible way to adjust to the altitude if you have just arrived in the Rockies. Because these lakes are some of the best known in the park, expect plenty of company on the trail.

For more distance, you can add Lake Haiyaha, a fifth lake on the same network of trails. That route runs about 4.2 miles and is rated moderate. Strong hikers sometimes eye Hallett Peak itself, a strenuous trip of about 10 miles that also starts at Bear Lake.