RT Lake Haiyaha

A rugged alpine lake famous for its striking turquoise color, surrounded by massive boulders and reached via a scenic hike past some of the park’s most iconic lakes.

General Information

Hours:

Open 24 hours a day, year-round; some roads and facilities may close seasonally
Timed entry permit required during peak season (mid-May through mid-October) during daytime hours

Length:

About 4.0–4.2 miles round trip

Elevation Gain:

Approximately 745–865 feet

Difficulty:

Moderate

Fees:

Private Vehicle (1-day pass): $30
Private Vehicle (7-day pass): $35
Per Person (walk-in/bike): $15 per day
Motorcycle (1-day): $25
Annual pass available

Pet Policy:

Pets are not allowed on trails

Closest cities with hotels:

Estes Park (9 mi)

Seasons:

Late spring through fall most popular; winter possible with proper gear

Location:

Lake Haiyaha via Bear Lake Trailhead, Estes Park, CO 80517

Website:

nps.gov/romo_lakehaiyaha

How to Get There

From Estes Park (9 mi): Enter Rocky Mountain National Park via the Beaver Meadows Entrance on US-36, drive about 9 miles along Bear Lake Road to the Bear Lake Trailhead, then follow the trail past Nymph and Dream Lakes before turning toward Lake Haiyaha.

Overview

The Lake Haiyaha hike offers a diverse alpine experience that combines some of the park’s most scenic highlights with a less crowded and more rugged destination. Beginning in the busy Bear Lake area, the trail leads hikers through dense pine forests and alongside picturesque lakes like Nymph and Dream, providing a gradual introduction to the dramatic terrain of Rocky Mountain National Park. As the trail branches away from the main route, the path becomes steeper and quieter, winding through rocky sections and forested slopes with intermittent views of surrounding peaks.

The lake itself is unlike most others in the region, with a shoreline dominated by large, angular granite boulders that create a striking and chaotic landscape. These rocks give the lake its name, which translates to “lake of many rocks,” and require careful footing as hikers explore the shoreline. The water is often a vivid turquoise color, caused by fine sediment suspended in the lake, creating a surreal contrast against the gray stone and evergreen forest. Set beneath towering peaks and surrounded by twisted, wind-shaped trees, Lake Haiyaha provides a dramatic and memorable destination that feels more remote and wild than many nearby hikes despite its accessibility.

This article uses material from official National Park Service resources for Lake Haiyaha, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.