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Dream Lake - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Lake/ River/ Ponds
1 Day Treks
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About Dream Lake

Dream Lake is a glacial lake located in Larimer County. Surrounded by towering peaks and evergreen forests, It is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. At the end of the trail, hikers are rewarded with a refreshing dip in the clear waters of Dream Lake. You can enjoy hiking, fishing, picnicking, and camping.
Address : Dream Lake, Colorado 80517, USA

Things to Do at Dream Lake

Dream Lake offers stunning views of the Rockies as well as a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. In the summer, hikers can take advantage of the many trails in the area, including the popular Dream Lake Trail. For those who prefer to stay on dry land, there are also plenty of opportunities for picnicking, fishing, and bird watching. In the winter, Dream Lake is a popular destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. If you're looking for more of an adrenaline rush, there are plenty of opportunities for biking, rock climbing.


Top Activities Near Dream Lake

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History of Dream Lake

Dream Lake is a picturesque body of water that has been a popular destination for centuries. Prior to the arrival of Euro-American settlers in the 19th century, the area around Dream Lake was inhabited by various Native American tribes. The Ute Tribe, in particular, had a strong presence in the region and often visited the lake to hunt and fish. In 1858, gold was discovered in Colorado, sparking a wave of settlement in the state. Dream Lake soon became a popular spot for settlers looking to escape the bustle of city life. Today, Dream Lake remains a popular destination for hikers, campers, and nature lovers from all over.


Best Time to Visit Dream Lake

The best time to visit Dream Lake in Larimer County, Colorado is during the summer months. From June to August, the weather is warm and sunny, making it ideal for hiking and exploring the area. The views are also stunning during this time of year, as the wildflowers are in bloom and the mountains are visible in the distance.Fall is also a popular time to visit Dream Lake, as the leaves start to change color and the air becomes crisp and cool. 


Tips for Visiting Dream Lake

  1. Make sure to pack plenty of sunblock and insect repellent. Even on cloudy days, the UV rays can be intense at high altitudes.
  2. Dream Lake is located in a wildlife habitat, so please be respectful of the local wildlife and refrain from disturbing their homes.
  3. Set aside a full day to explore the area. Dream Lake is just one of many beautiful natural attractions in Larimer County, so you'll want to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy all that the area has to offer.

Interesting Facts and Trivias About Dream Lake

  1. The lake is situated at an elevation of 9,910 feet, one of the highest-elevation lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 
  2. The lake is named for its scenic beauty; it is surrounded by mountains and has a view of Hallet Peak. 
  3. There are campsites located around Dream Lake, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 
  4. Dream Lake is fed by melting snow and rainwater from neighboring Hallett Peak.
  5. The lake is renowned for its mirror-like surface, which reflects the surrounding mountains perfectly.
  6.  Dream Lake freezes over in winter, making it a popular spot for ice fishing and cross-country skiing.

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at Dream Lake

You can spend some beautiful time in this area and the average time a visitor spends around 8 to 10 hours. 


How to Reach Dream Lake

To reach Dream Lake, begin at the trailhead near the east end of the parking lot at Rocky Mountain National Park’s Bear Lake. From there, follow the well-marked signs and hike uphill for about a mile until you reach Dream Lake. The last part of the trail is relatively steep, but the views of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain are worth the effort. Once you reach the lake, be sure to explore the surrounding area.


Entrance Fee of Dream Lake

The entrance fee for Dream Lake in Larimer County, Colorado is $5 per person.


Opening Hours of Dream Lake

Dream Lake is open to the public from sunrise to sunset.


Attractions Near Dream Lake

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Nymph LakeNymph Lake is the first of three lakes along the excellent Emerald Lake Trail in the Bear Lake section of the park. It is a beautiful spot to catch a sunrise at a very photogenic lake. Nymph Lake is also known for being filled for lily pads later in the summer. HIke to this lake is really interesting and is famous among the hike an d nature lovers.
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Emerald Lake ColaradoEmerald Lake is a serene and beautiful lake nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Larimer County, Colorado. This idyllic spot is known for its Clear Creek flowing through it and its stunning array of wildflowers. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and picnicking in this picturesque setting. In addition, the lake is also a popular spot for bird watching. The trail to Emerald Lake is well-marked and relatively level, making it an ideal hike for families and beginners.
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Bear Lake ColaradoBear Lake is a glacially-fed lake in the Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, which is located near the summit of the Continental Divide and is surrounded by hiking trails and subalpine meadows. The lake is popular destination for hiking, camping, fishing and offers stunning views of the Rockies, and is home to a variety of wildlife. The beautiful mountains and forests increase the beauty of this lake.
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The Loch TrailLoch Vale is a short hike in Rocky Mountain National Park rewards hikers with a spectacular lake and alpine backdrop. Fantastic spot at sunrise!The main trail continues to the right, but make your way to wherever you feel is the best vantage point of the lake, the views are wonderful.
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Alberta FallsAlberta Falls is a 30-foot waterfall located in Rocky Mountain National Park. The falls are accessible via a short hike from the Bear Lake trailhead, and the area is popular with both hikers and photographers. The falls flow over a bed of metamorphic rock, and the water is cold even in summer due to its source high in the Rockies. Visitors can see a variety of plant life in the area, including aspen and Douglas fir trees. Wildlife is also common.
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Hallett PeakHallett Peak is a mountain summit in the northern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. This prominent summit along the Continental Divide stands over Chaos Canyon and Tyndall Glacier. No maintained trail reaches Hallett Peak, however a well-established x-country route leads south from Flattop Mountain to its base, where a steep scramble continues up to the summit.

Discover More Attractions in Larimer County, Home of Dream Lake

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Larimer County
Larimer County is one of the 64 counties in the U.S. state of Colorado.It is the seventh largest county in Colorado based on population. The territory was home to Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho in the early 19th century before the arrival of the Europeans.

Location of Dream Lake


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