East Portal Trailhead at Estes Park — Attraction in Estes Park

Absolutely beautiful trail system in Rocky Mountain National Park! Bear Lake Trail is short, flat, and easy — perfect for a quick scenic walk with fantastic alpine lake views. From there, the hike up to Dream Lake and Emerald Lake is moderate but totally worth the effort.

The views along the way are stunning — especially at Dream Lake with its dramatic mountain backdrop. Emerald Lake at the end is a must-see; crystal-clear water surrounded by towering peaks. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow.

Overall, a fantastic hike with a great payoff. Highly recommend if you’re visiting Estes Park — go early or after 5pm to beat the crowds!

Plenty of car parking when we went after 5pm We did the 4 Lake trail there and back...

This hidden-gem of a trailhead is a great starting point for a hike into Rocky Mountain National Park, especially if you want to avoid the crowds. Our route took us up a very steep rocky, not well maintained path to the Park boundary then beyond to the Glacier Creek Trail. We headed west to the Storm Pass Trail, then to the Wind River Trail back to the trailhead and parking lot at the end of Hwy 66 (Tunnel Rd). It was about a 6 mile loop hike with about 800' elevation gain. Once you cross the ridge and connect to the Glacier Creek Trail you get some spectacular views of the National Park...

Great facilities. The tent loop has a newer bathroom building with showers and flush toilets. Most camp sites have really good tree cover and a bear locker is shared between the neighboring site. The sites and roads are well maintained.

Pay close attention to the website for tent dimensions. If yours is too big for the tent pad, they are sticklers and you will have an uncomfortable conversation with a camp host about how you will have to try to make your...