The Lake Haiyaha hike is amazing and adventurous. Below, you’ll discover why!
Check out the video to learn what to expect from Lake Haiyaha!
OVERVIEW:
- TRAILHEAD: Bear Lake Trailhead
- MILES: 2.74 miles out and back (loop hike)
- TIME: 2–3 hours (depending on your stops)
- DIFFICULTY: easy
- ELEVATION: 10,228 ft
- ELEVATION GAIN: 691 ft
- HIKE PERMIT: no
- PARK PERMIT: Yes, we recommend getting an annual National Parks Pass
- PARK RESERVATIONS: required from May to October
DID YOU KNOW: Haiyaha is an indigenous word that means “rock” so Lake Haiyaha means “lake of many rocks.”
Location of the Rocky Mountain National Park
Lake Haiyaha is located in the Rocky Mountain National Park, 9 miles from the town of Estes Park, where you can stay the night. We were amazed by the rugged peaks and dense forests that make this park so beautiful for adventurers like us.
The Rocky Mountain National Park is located in the north-central region of COLORADO and covers a vast area of over 415 square miles. It encompasses mountain peaks, forests, and the most amazing, stunning alpine lakes. Now you know what to expect from your hike!
There are SEVERAL ENTRANCES to the park, with the most popular being the Beaver Meadows Entrance near Estes Park and the Grand Lake Entrance on the west side.
Now what about parking?
What is the parking like for the Lake Haiyaha hike?
Around 20 minutes from the Beaver Meadows Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park you’ll find the easiest parking spot for your hike: Bear Lake parking lot. This is where the Lake Haiyaha hike starts.
The only other parking spot is the Glacier Gorge trailhead, just one mile off Bear Lake Road. As it is further away from the start of the Lake Haiyaha hike, it is less crowded than the one at the Bear Lake trailhead.
INSIDER TIP: When parked at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, you can take advantage of the park’s Bear Lake FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE. Make sure to reserve your spot in advance here. The shuttle bus operates from late May to early October, from early morning (7 a.m.) to the evening (7 p.m.). The other stops of the shuttle service include Park & Ride, Bierstadt Lake Trailhead, Glacier Gorge Trailhead, and Bear Lake.
Remember: Both parking lots fill up quickly. We arrived at the Bear Lake Parking Lot by early morning (7 a.m.) at the Bear Lake trailhead parking lot, and we had a parking place, but when we returned by 10 a.m., both parking lots were almost full! Especially in the Bear Lake area, it is very busy, especially in the summer and on fall weekends.
Our impressions of the hike: during the Lake Haiyaha trail, you have amazing views of Longs Peak and the Glacier Gorge region along the way.
Lake Haiyaha Trailhead Length
The distance for the Lake Haiyaha trail is 4.2 miles (6,3 kilometers). You can download the route to your phone for FREE HERE via AllTrails!
The hike is quite easy and takes less than 3 hours to complete, including time for pictures and a swim.
Journey to Lake Haiyaha
The out and back hike to Lake Haiyaha begins at the Bear Lake Trailhead (behind th ranger station), which you follow; then, when the route splits up (just before you get to the bear’s viewing area), you’ll take a left (if you go straight, you’ll end up at the bear lake). This follows the main path leading you through both the Nymph and Dream Lakes to Haiyaha Lake.
DID YOU KNOW: The sunrise at bear lake is beautiful when the sun lights up HALLET PEAK behind the lake?
From Bear Lake, it’s about a half-mile of mostly flat hiking to NYMPH LAKE.
Upon reaching the junction at Dream Lake, take the left trail as the trail for Lake Haiyaha branches off from the Dream and Emerald Lake trails. This will lead you to a steady ascent for approximately a mile. The path narrows and steepens, with a slight drop-off. Nevertheless, there is enough space to stay away from the edge, so there’s no need to be afraid!
Our first sight of Lake Haiyaha’s water comes as you cross a small bridge over a stream. Shortly after, you’ll cross a river via a longer bridge. This location, with the sound of the glacial blue water flowing around patches of green marshland, seems straight out of a FANTASY TALE. This part of the hike to Lake Haiyaha was our absolute favorite!
Arrival
After the river crossing, expect to climb several large BOULDERS. To reach the lake, you’ll have to navigate and scramble over some of these rocks. Treat them like a staircase, paying attention to your footing. When uncertain, employ the ‘three points of contact’ rule: use your hands as well as your feet while navigating the boulders.
Before long, Lake Haiyaha will be right in front of you. Absorb the breathtaking teal-hued water, a distinct characteristic of this region of Rocky Mountain National Park since the 2022 LANDSLIDE infused silt into the lake.
On a day with clear skies, you’ll see Hallett Peak across the lake. If you observe closely in that direction, you can spot the remnants of the rockslide on the slope.
TESTIMONY: The shoreline of the hike is quite rugged, with large boulders surrounding the entire lake—the result of it lying in the heart of Chaos Canyon. The scene at Lake Haiyaha is simply stunning!
INSIDER TIP: Once you reach Lake Haiyaha, there are a lot of large boulders you can sit on for a snack to enjoy the view of Hallet Peak.
PS: If you are up for a challenge, you can hike the 4 Lakes Loop Trail (including the Alberta Falls). You can download it for free HERE.
Timed entry permits to hike Lake Haiyaha?
To access the Bear Lake Road Corridor, Timed Entry Permits are in effect from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Timed Entry Permit Reservations can only be booked online for $2.00 and are non-refundable. You can book your timed entry permits here at the recreation.gov website.
OPTIONAL: detour to Dream Lake
If you still have some energy left in the tank, on your way back, you can make a detour to Dream Lake. Look left as you climb for views across Nymph Lake. This section of your route will give you more mountain views as it gets rockier. The sign on Dream Lake shows the path to Dream Lake (left) and Lake Haiyaha. From there, it will be easy to visit Dream Lake.
Optional: Detour to Emerald Lake
On your way home at the trailhead, it is worth taking another trip past Dream Lakes and onto Emerald Lake. Emerald Lake is an iconic spot within the National Park and offers views from Hallet and Flat Peaks towering over the lake. It is very lovely to watch the reflection of the mountains in the lakes.
Why is Lake Haiyaha so blue now?
On June 28, 2022, a landslide of debris ranging from small pebbles to large boulders tumbled down the south slope of Hallett Peak. This event deposited rocks and silt into Chaos Canyon and Lake Haiyaha. This silt is what creates the milky blue color in Lake Haiyaha. If you had visited Lake Haiyaha before June 2022, it would have had the same watercolor as other nearby lakes like Dream or Emerald.
Guided Tours in Rocky Mountain National Park
Looking for a guided experience in Rocky Mountain National Park? Check out some of these tours you can book to help you make the most of your time! We love using Get Your Guide as they deliver high-quality, value-for-money activities. We have done quite a few hikes with Get Your Guide and definitely recommend them!
Where to Stay in Estes Park
You should stay at Estes Park during your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park. Below are several excellent hotels in Estes Park, located only miles from the Beaver Meadows entrance station for Rocky Mountain National Park. We stayed at the Stanley Hotel which we definitely recommend!
Luxury
Mid-Budget
Budget
- YMCA of The Rockies Estes Park
Fishing at Lake Haiyaha
Lake Haiyaha is a great place for fishing. The lake has cutthroat trout and rainbow trout, so bring your fishing gear along. Make sure to buy a Colorado fishing license and follow the fishing regulations of the park. If you are new to fishing, you can hire a local guide to help you navigate the lake.
Are dogs allowed at Lake Haiyaha?
No! Dogs are not allowed on any trail inside Rocky Mountain National Park. If you are bringing your dog to the park, please know that he/she will have to stay in your vehicle or on a leash in parking areas only.
Watch Out for Wildlife
Rocky Mountain National Park is home to various wildlife, including moose, elk, mule deer, and bobcats.
As you hike along the trails, make sure to keep your distance and not feed them. Make sure to carry bear spray, hike in a group, and make noise to alert any wildlife to your presence.
- One of the most notable residents of the Lake Haiyaha region is MARMOTS. These curious, social animals can often be seen sunbathing on rocks or scurrying through the alpine meadows in search of food.
- PIKAS, another small mammal native to the area, are equally captivating with their round, furry bodies and distinctively high-pitched calls.
- For those interested in larger wildlife, ELK are frequently spotted in the vicinity of Lake Haiyaha. These majestic creatures can be observed grazing in meadows or traversing the nearby forests, providing an unforgettable sight for visitors.
- Bird enthusiasts will also find a wealth of opportunities for birdwatching around Lake Haiyaha. Various BIRD SPECIES, including songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl, call this region home, making it an ideal location for observing avian life.
Bring the Essentials
- Make sure to pack the essentials when you visit Lake Haiyaha.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sun protection.
- You should wear hiking boots for this trail!
- Pack a jacket and some warm clothes, as it can get chilly in the evening.
- Bring a map, a compass, and sufficient food and water for the hike.
- Make sure to carry a first-aid kit, a whistle, and a flashlight for emergencies.
Conclusion
Lake Haiyaha is a paradise for adventurers and nature enthusiasts.
This ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE will help make your trip to Lake Haiyaha an unforgettable experience.
Plan your trip accordingly, enjoy the scenic views, practice safety precautions, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Let us know in the comments how your trip went!
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