How Long Does It Take To Hike Emerald Lake Trail?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,
Hike Distance 3.6 Miles Round Trip Difficulty Easy to Moderate Duration Approx

2-3hr

Round Trip
Trail Type Out and Back Elevation Gain Approx. +605′

Can you hike around Emerald Lake?


There are several great hikes and scrambles around Emerald Lake

. It’s a really wonderful area to take to the trails and enjoy stunning views of glaciers, craggy peaks, wildlife, rainforest, and waterfalls. The weather can be a bit unpredictable, so come prepared for a wet hike with hiking boots and a shell jacket.

How long is the walk around Emerald Lake?

Trail Distance (return) Time (return) Emerald Lake

5.2 km


2 hours
Hamilton Falls 1.6 km 30 minutes Centennial 2.5 km 45 minutes Walk-in-the-Past 3 km 1.5 hours

Do you need a pass for Emerald Lake?

Emerald Lake lies in Yoho National Park, and although this natural sight is free,

you need to purchase Discovery Pass to enter the national park

. The Discovery Pass costs $140 for a vehicle (up to seven people), or $70 per adult if you are solo traveling the Rockies.

Is Emerald Lake hike hard?

Discover this 3.20 mile, out and back trail near Estes Park, Colorado. Generally considered a

moderately challenging route

, it takes an average of 1 h 33 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and snowshoeing, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.

How difficult is the hike to Emerald Lake?

Check out this 10.3-mile out-and-back trail near Sequoia National Park, California. Generally considered a

moderately challenging

route, it takes an average of 5 h 12 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking and trail running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.

Can you skate on Emerald Lake?

Though

there is no skating area set up on Emerald Lake itself

, a short drive back down the valley will take you to a community rink in Field – the perfect place to watch a train or two go by. For the ice climbers out there, nearby Field has fantastic waterfalls climbs available, if they are in condition.

Where do you park for Emerald Lake Trail?

Getting to the Trailhead

The trail to Emerald Lake starts at the Bear Lake Trailhead. To get here, drive to the end of Bear Lake Road and

park in the large parking lot

. This parking lot is very large but you do need to get here early to get a parking space. Ideally, plan on arriving by 7:30 am to get a parking space.

Can you swim in Emerald Lake?


Swimming comes highly recommended for the experience, but is not for the faint of heart

. The water is cold! The more leisurely delight of having lunch at the lakeside patio does the trick for some, as well. Picnic areas and the Emerald Sports gift shop are also easily found.

Can you see Emerald Lake without hiking?

Even if you don’t do the hike,

you can still find beautiful views of the lake from the road that crosses over to the lodge and restaurant

. There are so many wonderful photo opportunities at Emerald Lake and it’s a gorgeous place to relax and explore for a half-day.

Is Emerald Lake a glacier lake?

For more information, please visit: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/yoho

The Emerald Lake Trail is one of the best examples of a glacial runoff lake

in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Think Lake Louise in Alberta but without the crowds and with better chances of seeing North American wildlife in their prime habitat.

Can you bike around Emerald Lake?

Road Cycling In Yoho National Park


The shorter and easier of the two is a ride to Emerald Lake via Emerald Lake Road

. While the scenic views are limited on this highway, and you’ll need to return on the same road, you’ll be rewarded when you reach the beautiful landscape of Emerald Lake.

What is Emerald Lake known for?

Yesterday’s travellers were adventurers in search of the extraordinary, and that’s exactly what Legendary guide Tom Wilson found when he first stumbled across this small gem of a lake – famed for

its jade-coloured waters

– in 1882 during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Can you bring your own kayak to Emerald Lake?

Yes, you can go kayaking on Emerald Lake. There are no rental kayaks available from the lakeshore boathouse, however. If you want to kayak Emerald Lake,

you’ll need to bring your own or rent one in Banff or Golden

.

Are there fish in Emerald Lake?

Fish

What is the best hike in Rocky Mountain National Park?

  • Sky Pond Hike. …
  • Alluvial Fan Hike. …
  • Chasm Lake Hike. Distance: 8.8 miles. …
  • Storm Pass Hike. Distance: .2 miles. …
  • Mt Ida Hike. Distance: 9.3 miles. …
  • Longs Peak Hike (Keyhole Route) Distance: 14.8 miles. …
  • Tombstone Ridge Hike. Distance: 5.6 miles. …
  • Cub Lake Trail Hike. Distance: 6 miles.

How do I get to Emerald Lake?

To get to Emerald Lake, you can

drive the Trans-Canada Highway for two hours from Calgary

, where many commercial flights arrive every day. On the way, you will pass through Banff National Park, where you can see other glacial lakes such as Peyto Lake, Moraine Lake or Lake Louise.

How long is Bear Lake hike?

Hike Distance 0.6 mile loop Difficulty Easy Duration

Approx 30 min
Trail Type Loop Starting Elevation 9475′

Why is Emerald Lake green?

The vivid green color of the water is caused by

powdered rock from the glaciers which reflects the blue-green spectrum of sunlight

, the rock type and the amount of it in the water causes the color to vary from lake to lake and month to month, even week to week.

What is there to do at Emerald Lake in winter?

There are many options to enjoy the beautiful outdoors at Emerald Lake. In winter,

cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

are popular activities. During summer, the lake is wonderful for kayaking, canoeing and fishing.

Do you need a park pass for Field BC?


You need to purchase a parks pass like any other vehicle

.

How much does Emerald Lake cost?

BASIC RATE TOTAL
PER NIGHT


$ 140.00


$ 169.50
FRI & SAT. $ 145.00 $ 175.15 H.W.E $ 150.00 $ 180.80 WEEKLY. $ 840.00 $ 960.50

Is the road to Emerald Lake open?


Emerald Lake Road and Emerald Lake are open

. The Trans-Canada Highway is open through Yoho National Park.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.