Four Lakes Loop

Four Lakes Loop is a 5.7-mile circuit from Bear Lake Trailhead through the Bear Lake stop, Nymph Lake, a short Dream Lake branch, Lake Haiyaha and the Glacier Gorge corridor past Alberta Falls, returning to the start. The distance covers the mapped loop, including the Dream and Haiyaha detours; it leaves out the separate Bear Lake shoreline circuit and Emerald Lake spur. Allow about four hours. Repeated climbs, high elevation and the rough approach to Haiyaha make this a more demanding half-day than the mileage alone suggests.

Start from Bear Lake Trailhead and follow the signed route toward Nymph rather than adding the separate shoreline circuit. The busy trail climbs through the forest; much of this lower approach is paved. Nymph Lake appears after about half a mile, a small pond edged with pond lilies. The short climb beyond it opens views toward Longs Peak, the Keyboard of the Winds and Hallett Peak. At the junction, take the brief branch to Dream Lake. The east shore frames Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain across the water, with Tyndall Gorge between them; return to the junction for the Haiyaha route.

The branch toward Haiyaha climbs fairly steeply through dense pine, then levels near an opening with views across Glacier Basin and back toward Bear and Nymph lakes. The last roughly 50 yards to the shore cross rugged, uneven boulders. Lake Haiyaha sits among a much larger boulder field; the water and the surrounding high peaks make this the loop’s most distinctive stop. This short rough section is the main reason to turn around if scrambling over irregular rock is uncomfortable. Retrace the same branch to its junction.

From the Haiyaha junction, follow the Glacier Gorge route toward Mills Junction and then Alberta Falls. Trails to Mills Lake and The Loch are separate branches, so check signs and keep to the Bear Lake and Alberta Falls direction. The route descends to Alberta Falls, a roughly 30-foot cascade in a small gorge, then climbs from the Glacier Creek junction back to Bear Lake. That final uphill stretch closes the loop.

The trailhead is around 9,475 feet, and the route climbs above 10,000 feet. Take the altitude and the repeated ups and downs into account when choosing a pace. High-country weather changes quickly, and snow or ice can linger on higher trail sections; check the park’s current conditions before setting out. During the seasonal timed-entry period, choose the reservation option that includes Bear Lake Road and confirm the current dates and entry hours. The Bear Lake lot often fills early; the park shuttle is a useful alternative when operating. Pets are prohibited on park trails; service animals are allowed.