Lake Haiyaha is the Perfect Sunrise Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park

Last Updated on February 2, 2024 by foxintheforest

Lake Haiyaha is one of the most beautiful hikes in all of Rocky. Pristine alpine shores give way to stunning mountain views along this popular trail. In fact, you’ll pass by 4 lakes along the way!

Of course, it’s crowded, but you’re in luck. I’ve lived in Colorado for 15 years and I’m an absolute expert in beating the crowds in Rocky Mountain NP (known as RMNP by us locals). I’ve hiked Lake Hiayaha several times during every season. So if you’re looking to explore the area like a local, not a tourist, then you’re in the right place.

About this Guide to Lake Haiyaha

Inside this expert local guide to Lake Haiyaha you’ll find:

  • Info about where to find Lake Haiyaha
  • The best season to hike
  • Tips for beating the crowds
  • Practical info about the hike
  • Timed Entry Permit info
  • A look at nearby activities
  • And other amazing local RMNP resources

Where is Lake Haiyaha?

You’ll find access to Lake Haiyaha at the Bear Lake Trailhead along the Bear Lake Corridor. From here you’ll set out towards Dream Lake where there will be a signed junction toward Lake Haiyaha.

This is when the hike gets a little steeper, and some people can find it leans on the more moderate range – especially if you aren’t from Colorado or other mountainous areas.

A map of the hike to Lake Haiyaha from Bear Lake trailhead.

The Best Season to Hike

Lake Haiyaha can (and should) be hiked year-round! The busiest seasons for this hike are from mid-June through September.

The lake is typically thawed (with maybe an iceberg or two early season) and the trails are free of snow.

September through November bring winds and unpredictable weather, but the trail is less crowded during these times.

December through April are very much winter conditions, and you’ll need special gear such as microspikes. You’ll also need to know how to read avalanche terrain, since this hike goes through a few unstable areas.

May is slush and mud season. The snow is more stable, but the trail may be a little tougher. The lake is usually still frozen until mid-June.

How to Beat the Crowds at Lake Haiyaha

Lake Haiyaha is one of the most popular Rocky Mountain National Park hikes. You better believe this area sees huge amounts of crowds. The most crowded times tend to be summer, fall, and winter.

Local Tip: If you want some solitude here, you will need to plan to be at the lake by sunrise. In the summer you’ll want to be at the trailhead no later than 4:30 am – especially on the weekends.

Weekdays can be slightly less crowded fall through spring, but in the summer the weekdays are still just as crowded as the weekend.

A view of Rocky Mountain National Park covered in snow with the sun setting in the background, There are evergreen trees in the foreground and everything is covered in snow around Lake Haiyaha. .

Practical Info

Here’s a look at some helpful info before you hit the trail.

Mileage: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: 846
Estimated Time: 2 -3 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Dog-friendly? Dogs are not allowed on hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
Kid Friendly? Yes.
Red Tape? Timed entry permits specifically for Bear Lake Corridor are required from 5 am to 6 pm from May 24th through October 30th if you want to drive your vehicle to the trailhead. Otherwise, you will need to take a shuttle. No drones.
Cost: It’s $35 to access Rocky Mountain National Park plus $2 processing fee if you use a timed entry permit. This park is free with an America the Beautiful Annual Pass (minus the $2 processing fee)

How Long is the Lake Hiaya Hike?

Lake Haiyaha hike is 4 miles round trip on an out-and-back trail. There is 846 feet of gain on this hike. It garners a moderate rating, but to be completely honest with you, this is one of the easiest Colorado hikes.

If you’re from the mountains or regularly hike at higher altitude, this trail is really easy. If you’re not from here, you may struggle a bit, since it’s mostly uphill and the lake is right at treeline. However, if you take your time and prep appropriately you will be able to reach the lake!

Timed Entry Permits

From May 24 through October 31st you need a special timed entry permit to access the Bear Lake Corridor between the hours of 5 am and 6 pm every day.

Permits are released on the first of the month for the next month. So on June 1, the month of July is released at 8 am MST. They book up almost immediately, especially in summer.

This permit gets you access to the entire park, including the Bear Lake Corridor, but it absolutely does not ensure parking. And parking at the Bear Lake Corridor is competitive.

Rangers patrol the lot all day and there is rarely any parking available after 4:30 am. So if you want to park at the trailhead for Lake Haiyaha plan on getting to the trailhead no later than 4:30 am if you’re visiting during the timed entry period.

If you’re visiting in the winter, the lot fills up by 5:30 am.

Local Tip: You do not need a timed entry permit if you’re visiting outside of the timed entry requirements.

Hiking to Lake Haiyaha

Reaching one of the most beautiful lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park is, fortunately, a straightforward adventure. Well-marked trails and junctions make this hike a simple endeavor.

Bear and Nymph Lake

You’ll start out at Bear Lake, following signs to Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha. You’ll pass by Nymph Lake along the way – a dreamy small pond that looks like there are fairies hidden in the lush greenery.

Local Tip: During the winter, the trail varies a bit to avoid avalanche terrain.

A view of a man in black with his camera out photographing Lake Haiyaha. It is a cloudy day and you can see the mountains in the background.

Dream Lake

Eventually, after a bit of steep uphill walking, you’ll reach a clearing and bump right into Dream Lake – a very obvious and one of the most famous Colorado alpine lakes.

You can take a break here (ideal if you’re here before the crowds or during a rare lull).

From here you’ll take the signed junction left up towards Lake Haiyhaha. The trail dips into the trees and climbs a steep hillside.

A view of the water and stones in the water and the mountains covered in snow in the background in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Lake Haiyaha

Once you’re up a steep hill, you’ll round the bend and catch a glimpse of Longs Peak in the distance. Continue moving up, through a valley with some rocks until you reach flatter ground.

Lake Haiyaha is just ahead!

To return, simply hike back the way you came.

The stunning turquoise waters of Lake Haiyaha which is surrounded by evergreen trees and mountains on a sunny day in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Is Lake Haiyaha Still Green?

In 2021 Hallet Peak behind Lake Haiyah experienced mega-level rockfall. In fact, it looked as if a huge part of the mountain just sluffed right off.

It made conditions extremely dangerous in the Lake Haiyaha basin, but all of the new mineral deposits into the runoff that feeds the lake turned the lake an incredibly bright green (think the turquoise colors of the famous Lake Louise).

Over the years, this green has lessened and in 2023 the waters looked a bit more like a Carribean cost than that effervescent glacial green. Who knows what 2024 has in store, but the lake will eventually return to its original alpine blue.

Can You Swim in Lake Haiyaha?

Yes, you can swim in any lake in Rocky Mountain National Park (except Bear Lake), it’s more of a question if you want to. The water is extremely cold, often only several degrees above freezing and most people won’t want to swim in it.

Local Tip: This is an extremely fragile ecosystem, so although swimming is allowed, do consider your impact. The oil on your skin and sunscreen can have negative impacts on the micro-life that calls this lake home.

A group of people skiing across a lake in Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter with snow-covered mountains all around them.
Obviously NOT swimming in the lake, but you can ski across it!

Things to Do Nearby

Lake Haiyaha is the perfect opener for spending the day in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are a ton of things to do nearby. The one thing I would absolutely recommend is stopping at nearby Emerald Lake. You’ll be doing most of the hike to Emerald, so you might as well make the detour from Dream Lake on your return journey.

Other awesome spots include:

What to Pack

Be prepared for your next mountain hike with this comprehensive packing list.

What to wear:

  • Sunshirt
  • Noncotton socks
  • Hiking footwear with good traction that you are comfortable wearing all day. 
  • Non-cotton shorts for hiking
  • Or non-cotton, pants for hiking. Convertible pants are great too!
  • Non-cotton shirt for hiking

What to pack:

Quick tips for Hiking to Lake Haiyaha

Hiking safely and responsibly in Colorado requires a few special skills and things to note.

Watch the weather. Dangerous afternoon thunderstorms plague the Rocky Mountains every afternoon in July and August. Plan to be below treeline by 11 am to avoid the storms.

Pack it out. You’ll need to be prepared to pack out all of your trash including wrappers, fruit peels, and toilet paper. Don’t feed the wildlife!

Follow all designated signs and ranger instructions. Stay on the trails, leave your drone at home, and enjoy the hike! Rangers sometimes have special notices at the trailhead for special conditions.

Additional Local Rocky Mountain National Park Resources

Looking to visit Rocky Mountain National Park like a local? Here are a few handy resources for you.

Meg Atteberry
Meg Atteberry

Meg is a long-time Colorado local and outdoor industry professional. She's spent the last 15 years hiking, climbing, mountaineering, and canyoneering all over Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada in search of the best views. She's written for Outside Magazine, REI, Backpacker Magazine, and appeared on the Weather Channel.

Hi There!

Meg Atteberry standing on a mountain sticking her tongue out

Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Toddler mom, queer, and neuro-spicy her favorite things to do are climb in the alpine and camp in the desert. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure.