Tuesday, 10/8
Permits:
- Rocky Mountain National Park – 7 Day Vehicle Pass
- Timed + Bear Lake – Not required for early entry before 5 a.m.
Agenda:
- Lake Haiyaha
- Dream Lake
- Nymph Lake
- Coffee on the Rocks
- Antonio’s NY Pizza
A Sunrise Adventure at Lake Haihaya
Our fourth day began with a super-early wake-up call at 3:45 a.m. to prepare for a sunrise hike to Lake Haiyaha. The plan included a 2.2-mile uphill hike in the dark, with a goal to witness sunrise over the lake. This was the one sunrise hike I managed to convince my wife to do during our weeklong stay.
We planned thoroughly: offline hiking maps downloaded (our go-to app), headlamps ready, snacks packed, and plenty of water in our backpacks. Here’s how it went—lessons learned, pros, and cons included!
The Hike to Lake Haiyaha
The hike started at the Bear Lake Trailhead, the most direct route to Lake Haiyaha. Signs along the trail made navigation easy, and our prior scouting during the previous day’s visit to Bear Lake proved helpful for the return in the dark.
With no timed entry required before 5 a.m., we were the only car on the road and the first to arrive at the trailhead. After gearing up, we turned on our headlamps and began the hike.
The trail was steady and moderately strenuous in places but manageable. The 2.2-mile hike took us about 2 hours, aligning with the advice of planning 30 minutes per half-mile at higher altitudes. We paused occasionally to catch our breath and adjust to the altitude—perfect opportunities to hydrate, gaze at the star-filled sky, and embrace the serene quiet of the park at night. Those moments of stillness were as memorable as reaching the destination.
Arrival at Lake Haiyaha
We reached Lake Haiyaha around 6:15 a.m., with complete darkness still surrounding us. This is where the hike became a challenge. Lake Haiyaha is surrounded by large boulders, making access difficult. The lake’s name, derived from an indigenous word meaning “rock” or “lake of many rocks,” is fitting. Maneuvering through the boulders was tricky, as there was no defined path, and the terrain dictated our route.
Using our offline GPS map helped us stay on track, though bringing a compass as a backup is advisable. Apparently, there’s an alternative way to access the lake by veering off before the boulders, but it wasn’t clearly marked. Despite the challenge, we found a perfect boulder by the lake to settle on and wait for the sunrise.
The Experience at Lake Haiyaha
It was cold—really cold. Sitting still in the dark after a strenuous hike amplified the chill. Layers and warm gear are essential for such hikes. The stars above were stunning, with shooting stars aplenty. I took this opportunity for some astrophotography, capturing the awe-inspiring night sky.
As the sun began to rise, we pulled out bananas for a snack. A curious gray jay appeared, hovering close as if expecting a treat. Though we didn’t feed it (and neither should you), its bold behavior suggested that others might have in the past. This encounter was a highlight for me, as gray jays aren’t found on the East Coast.
The sunrise revealed the alpenglow on Hallet Peak, a breathtaking sight. Unfortunately, there were no clouds in the sky, and the lake wasn’t as turquoise as expected. Nevertheless, the scenery was worth the effort. On the descent, the views of Longs Peak and the surrounding areas were particularly striking, especially the silhouette of the Keyboard of the Winds, named as wind can be channeled and unearthly noises as are often heard here.
Stops at Dream Lake and Nymph Lake
On our return, we stopped at Dream Lake, about 1.1 miles from the trailhead. By this time, the trail was much busier, as Dream Lake is a popular destination. While the lighting wasn’t ideal for photography, the crystal-clear waters reflecting blue and purple tones were stunning.
We skipped the short additional hike to Emerald Lake, intending to visit Bierstadt Lake later. This was a mistake—if you’re at Dream Lake, don’t miss Emerald Lake! We eventually returned on Day 6 to see it, so stay tuned for that blog post.
Our final stop was Nymph Lake, which felt more like a pond than a lake. Its unique lily pads make it worth a brief visit, especially since it’s along the trail to Dream Lake. However, it’s not a must-see destination. Restoration efforts in some areas prohibit access, so be mindful of the signs.
Post-Hike Refuel at Coffee on the Rocks
After a long morning, we returned to Estes Park and stopped at Coffee on the Rocks. This cozy spot features a pond bustling with ducks and offers bags of corn for feeding them. We enjoyed coffee by the Big Thompson River, which runs through the back of the property. It was a relaxing and unique experience, perfect for recharging after the hike.
Dinner at Antonio’s NY Pizza
For dinner, we headed to Antonio’s NY Pizza, a family-run restaurant bringing authentic NY-style pizza to Estes Park. Arriving early at 4:30 p.m. worked in our favor, as the place gets busy. The pizza was phenomenal, and we loved it so much we returned later in the week. Fun fact: robots deliver the pizzas! They even have names. 🙂
As we left for dinner, a young mule deer buck greeted us in the driveway. It paused long enough for me to take a photo, looking right at the camera. Encounters with wildlife, whether elk or mule deer, were a daily joy during our stay—they often appeared in the mornings and evenings around our Airbnb. This added a special touch to each outing.
Wrap-Up
This day was one of my favorite experiences during our trip. The dark, peaceful hike to Lake Haiyaha and the stunning views of Dream Lake made it unforgettable. While we initially questioned the early start, we’d do it again in a heartbeat.
With an early finish, we prepared for a more relaxed Day 5, featuring a full drive along Trail Ridge Rd. and a moose-tracking adventure. Stay tuned for that blog post!
