Hiking to Lake Haiyaha: Rocky Mountain’s Blue Alpine Lake

Lake Haiyaha is a testament to the natural wonders that await those who venture into Rocky Mountain National Park. With its striking beauty and accessible trail, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable outdoor experience in Colorado’s high country. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a virtual journey hiking to Lake Haiyaha and provide all the essential information you need to access this breathtaking natural wonder.

Turning Blue

This already popular hiking area became even more popular due to the events that took place in the summer of 2022. A landslide in the surrounding Chaos Canyon deposited large amounts of silt and clay into the lake. This deposit was similar to the “glacier flour” that enters lakes over a much longer period of time. The fine-grained powder is slow to sink and remains suspended in the water. When sunlight hits the water, these particles absorb the shortest wavelengths leaving blues and greens visible to our eyes. How long will Lake Haiyaha take on this amazingly blue color? Nobody knows – it all depends on if/when the sediment eventually sinks to the bottom. Plan your hiking trip to Lake Haiyaha now before this color goes away!

Getting There

Lake Haiyaha is located in the Bear Lake area of Rocky Mountain National Park. This is one of the most popular destinations in the park due to its accessibility and the variety of hiking trails that begin here. Because of this popularity, you need a special permit to access this area during the prime hours of peak season. Visit the RMNP permit page for up to date information. Permits (especially Park Access+) are likely to sell out, so make sure to plan ahead to get the date and time you’re looking for. When we visited in the summer of 2023, these were the requirements:

• Permits are required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26th through October 22nd
  • This general park access permit is required from 9am to 2pm.
• Park Access+ specialty permits are required to access the Bear Lake Road Corridor which you will need for hiking Lake Haiyaha.
  • This special permit is required from 5am to 6pm.
  • Permit access is strictly enforced by the rangers in the park.

Once you have your permit secured, the closest entrance to the Bear Lake Road Corrido is the Beaver Meadows Entrance. You will then follow the road all the way to its end to reach the Bear Lake parking area. The trailhead for hiking Lake Haiyaha is located directly from this parking area. Though this parking area is quite large, it will fill up fast during the prime hours of the day. It as advised to take the free shuttle when parking is full or if you would like to avoid the congestion.

The Hike

Lake Haiyaha is cradled by massive granite boulders and surrounded by towering pines, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers, photographers, and solitude-seekers alike. The trail to Lake Haiyaha not only promises stunning scenery but also offers a moderately challenging hike suitable for adventurers of various skill levels. Along the way, you’ll encounter pristine forests, cascading waterfalls, and the opportunity to observe the diverse flora and fauna of the Rocky Mountains. Make sure to check out the AllTrails details for a closer look at the trail and navigation.

The Essentials

• Length: 4 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 846ft – The trail has a pretty consistent incline over the first 1.5 miles. It then levels out for the last .5 miles up until the lake.
• Technical Features: As you approach the lake there is a boulder field that you will have to navigate with some light scrambling.
• Ability Level: Moderately Challenging. The only technical section of the trail is the boulder field at the lake. Beyond that, the it’s a relatively smooth path with the main challenge being the elevation gain.
• Trail Markers: The trail is clearly marked the whole way. If you miss the signs for Lake Haiyaha, make sure you’re headed towards Dream Lake from the trailhead. We always recommend using AllTrails+ so you can download offline maps as there is no service in this area.

Along The Way

You’ll pass directly by Nymph Lake on the hike. Eventually you’ll have the option to view Dream Lake as well just a bit off the main trail. Along with these lakes there are also some great overlook areas to view the surrounding mountains. The path can be pretty busy up to Nymph Lake then clears out a little bit before Dream Lake with even less going to Lake Haiyaha. If you happen to be hiking earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon like we were, you’ll find that you can almost have Lake Haiyaha to yourself!

What To Bring

• Water & Snacks: Stay hydrated and energized throughout your hike. Remember that you’re hiking at elevation and you may need more stops along the way to refuel.
• Appropriate Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good traction are essential for the rocky terrain of this trail.
• Hiking Poles: Though we didn’t see many people using them, we thought that hiking poles were very beneficial on this trail. With the constant incline/decline that the trail presents, your joints will thank you later for having hiking poles!
• Sun Protection: Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to shield yourself from the sun.
• Bear Spray?: Though the majority of the trail sees heavy hiking traffic, it does get a bit more remote feeling the closer you get to Lake Haiyaha. RMNP is also only home to black bears which go out of their way to avoid people. With that being said, we own bear spray and had it with in our hiking backpacks just as an added precaution.

As you explore the beauty of Lake Haiyaha and its surroundings, remember to follow Leave No Trace principles. Stay on designated trails, pack out all trash, and minimize your impact on this fragile ecosystem so that future generations can enjoy its splendor. Lace up your hiking boots, grab your camera, and embark on an adventure to Lake Haiyaha—the Rocky Mountain gem that awaits your discovery. Check out our outdoor adventure posts for more tips and trip ideas