Private Hike Emerald Lake In Rocky Mountain National Park
Scout
5.0
Sansa_W
11 days ago
A great 4-mile hike with seeing four lakes -- Bare lake, nymph lake, dream lake, emerald lake. Scenery is beautiful and snow made it very special.
The guide, Patric, is great. He arrived early, was fully prepared, and brought everything we needed—water, poles, jackets, blankets, and delicious sandwiches. His car was very comfortable, and he drove well throughout the trip.
Patric is friendly, patient, and very knowledgeable. He made many stops for us whenever we wanted, took great photos, and explained the area in an educational and engaging way. He tried hard to help us find elk, but unfortunately we didn’t see any this time.
One of us wasn’t dressed warmly enough, and Patric generously lent us gloves, hats, and even a scarf. That small gesture made a huge difference and showed how considerate he is.
We felt very well taken care of the whole day. Highly recommend Patric to anyone looking for a memorable and comfortable guided experience!
Hiking to Emerald Lake This hike features breathtaking views of alpine lakes and towering mountain peaks. The trail takes you through a beautiful forest, with stunning stops at Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, and finally reaching the crystal-clear waters of Emerald Lake. Along the way, you’ll experience a mix of wildflower meadows, cascading streams, and awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding Rockies. In the winter and early spring months, the hike to Emerald Lake transforms into a breathtaking winter wonderland. Snow blankets the towering peaks and alpine forests, creating a serene and magical atmosphere. Trekking along a snow-packed trail, you’ll pass frozen Bear Lake and Nymph Lake, where shimmering ice formations add to the landscape’s beauty. Dream Lake offers stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains, while Emerald Lake sits in a dramatic cirque, surrounded by snow-capped cliffs.
Duration8 hours - 9 hoursLanguages Available
- Human tour guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: Emerald LakeColoradoThis hike features breathtaking views of alpine lakes and towering mountain peaks. The trail takes you through a beautiful forest, with stunning stops at Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, and finally reaching the crystal-clear waters of Emerald Lake. Along the way, you’ll experience a mix of wildflower meadows, cascading streams, and awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding Rockies. Lunch is provided and we will eat during our time on the trail. Duration: 3 hoursStop At: Rocky Mountain National ParkColoradoAfter the hike travelers will have the option to explore more of the park by vehicle. Popular destinations in the park we can visit with you are Trail Ridge Road (open seasonally), visitor centers and Old Fall River RoadDuration: 1 hourStop At: Estes ParkEstes Park, ColoradoTravelers will have an opportunity to explore Estes Park. Estes Park is a vibrant hub, filled with charming shops, art galleries, and cozy restaurants, offering visitors a delightful mix of local culture and scenic views. The town is also known for its frequent wildlife sightings, with elk, deer, and even wild turkeys often roaming through the streets, creating a unique blend of nature and small-town life.Duration: 1 hourAdditional Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- English Guide
- We provide hiking poles and an essentials backpack containing, sunscreen, rain ponchos, binoculars and field guides
- National Park Entry Fee and Timed Entry
- All Fees and Taxes
Hiking to Emerald Lake This hike features breathtaking views of alpine lakes and towering mountain peaks. The trail takes you through a beautiful forest, with stunning stops at Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, and finally reaching the crystal-clear waters of Emerald Lake. Along the way, you’ll experience a mix of wildflower meadows, cascading streams, and awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding Rockies. In the winter and early spring months, the hike to Emerald Lake transforms into a breathtaking winter wonderland. Snow blankets the towering peaks and alpine forests, creating a serene and magical atmosphere. Trekking along a snow-packed trail, you’ll pass frozen Bear Lake and Nymph Lake, where shimmering ice formations add to the landscape’s beauty. Dream Lake offers stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains, while Emerald Lake sits in a dramatic cirque, surrounded by snow-capped cliffs.
Duration8 hours - 9 hoursLanguages Available
- Human tour guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: Emerald LakeColoradoThis hike features breathtaking views of alpine lakes and towering mountain peaks. The trail takes you through a beautiful forest, with stunning stops at Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, and finally reaching the crystal-clear waters of Emerald Lake. Along the way, you’ll experience a mix of wildflower meadows, cascading streams, and awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding Rockies. Lunch is provided and we will eat during our time on the trail. Duration: 3 hoursStop At: Rocky Mountain National ParkColoradoAfter the hike travelers will have the option to explore more of the park by vehicle. Popular destinations in the park we can visit with you are Trail Ridge Road (open seasonally), visitor centers and Old Fall River RoadDuration: 1 hourStop At: Estes ParkEstes Park, ColoradoTravelers will have an opportunity to explore Estes Park. Estes Park is a vibrant hub, filled with charming shops, art galleries, and cozy restaurants, offering visitors a delightful mix of local culture and scenic views. The town is also known for its frequent wildlife sightings, with elk, deer, and even wild turkeys often roaming through the streets, creating a unique blend of nature and small-town life.Duration: 1 hourAdditional Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- English Guide
- We provide hiking poles and an essentials backpack containing, sunscreen, rain ponchos, binoculars and field guides
- National Park Entry Fee and Timed Entry
- All Fees and Taxes
Need To Know Info
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts. Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and SavingsCustomer Reviews
5.0
based on Groupon 5 reviews
100% Verified Reviews
All Groupon reviews are from people who have redeemed deals with this merchant. Review requests are sent by email to customers who purchased the deal.
Reviewed on
Sansa_W
A great 4-mile hike with seeing four lakes -- Bare lake, nymph lake, dream lake, emerald lake. Scenery is beautiful and snow made it very special.
The guide, Patric, is great. He arrived early, was fully prepared, and brought everything we needed—water, poles, jackets, blankets, and delicious sandwiches. His car was very comfortable, and he drove well throughout the trip.
Patric is friendly, patient, and very knowledgeable. He made many stops for us whenever we wanted, took great photos, and explained the area in an educational and engaging way. He tried hard to help us find elk, but unfortunately we didn’t see any this time.
One of us wasn’t dressed warmly enough, and Patric generously lent us gloves, hats, and even a scarf. That small gesture made a huge difference and showed how considerate he is.
We felt very well taken care of the whole day. Highly recommend Patric to anyone looking for a memorable and comfortable guided experience!
cnmorka
From the moment we got picked up at our hotel, we knew we made the right choice in choosing Scout for our adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park. From Patrick's warm welcome, to a luxury Suburban outfitted with premium snacks and water, we knew the day ahead would be flawless.
It was me and my sister's first visit to Colorado and the Rocky Mountains was going to be the highlight of our trip. With Scout being a fairly new company, we were honestly a bit skeptical. But when we compared Scout to other adventure companies, Scout's inclusions and itinerary couldn't be beat for a private tour! We're SUPER HAPPY that we followed our guts and chose Scout!
Patrick - theee most patient, kind, and knowledgeable hiking enthusiast! He made us feel at ease on all the trails and was very accommodating and reassuring every step of the way. Among the scenic views and Patrick giving us great nuggets of Colorado's history throughout the day, the added bonus was the quality lunch and cookies from a local deli...so yummy and perfect for breaking up our hike and eating in nature's picturesque mountains. If we hear of anyone looking to visit Colorado, Scout will be the first and only option we offer them.
Extraordinary434196
From the moment we got picked up at our hotel, we knew we made the right choice in choosing Scout for our adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park. From Patrick's warm welcome, to a luxury Suburban outfitted with premium snacks and water, we knew the day ahead would be flawless.
It was me and my sister's first visit to Colorado and the Rocky Mountains was going to be the highlight of our trip. With Scout being a fairly new company, we were honestly a bit skeptical. But when we compared Scout to other adventure companies, Scout's inclusions and itinerary couldn't be beat for a private tour! We're SUPER HAPPY that we followed our guts and chose Scout!
Patrick - theeee most patient, kind, and knowledgeable hiking enthusiast! He made us feel at ease on all the trails and was very accommodating and reassuring every step of the way. The added bonus in the day was the quality lunch and cookies from a local deli...so yummy and perfect for breaking up our hike and eating in nature's picturesque mountains. If we hear of anyone looking to visit Colorado, Scout will be the first and only option we offer them.
Lynda_E
> I can’t recommend Scout highly enough. What started as a birthday plan to hike to Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park turned into an entirely different and utterly unforgettable adventure, thanks to the professionalism, flexibility, and above-and-beyond service of Patrick Gold and the Scout team.
> I originally booked the Private Hike to Emerald Lake through the Viator app. From the moment we booked, communication was seamless. Patrick, our guide, co-owner of Scout, and all-around Colorado expert, reached out personally to introduce himself, go over details, and even take our lunch orders in advance. He also shared some great recommendations for our Denver stay. (Pro tip: take the train from the airport if you're staying downtown. It's scenic, stress-free, and cost-effective.)
> A couple of days before the hike, Patrick reached out to let us know that weather conditions were too dangerous for the original plan. Safety clearly comes first with Scout, and I really appreciated how closely Patrick monitored the forecast. He offered a full refund or an alternative experience. I’m so glad we said yes to the latter.
> Instead of the hike, we spent the day exploring some of Colorado’s most iconic spots on the America’s Mountain Experience. It was incredible. Patrick picked us up from our hotel in a spotless SUV with panoramic views, a perfect vehicle for soaking in the scenery. Our first stop was the historic COG Railway up to the summit of Pikes Peak. The views were beyond breathtaking, the train conductor was full of fun facts and puns, and we even spotted marmots sunning themselves on the rocks. It was magical!
> After the train ride, Patrick had our lunches ready and gave us several options for the rest of the day. We decided to skip exploring the town and opted for more hiking instead, so off to Garden of the Gods we went. The weather was perfect, and Patrick found a gorgeous picnic spot before we started our hike. He came prepared with everything: sunscreen, daypacks, and even a Polaroid camera so we could take home instant memories of our adventure. It was thoughtful touches like these that really set Scout apart.
> While this wasn’t the birthday experience I initially envisioned, it ended up being so much more than I could have imagined. Patrick’s flexibility, attention to detail, and genuine passion for what he does turned a weather hiccup into one of the best travel days we've ever had.
> Scout may be a newer company, but their expertise and hospitality are already top-tier. If you’re looking for a personalized, adventurous, and seamless experience in Colorado, Scout is the outfitter to trust. We can’t wait to come back and finally hike to Emerald Lake with Patrick. We know it will be every bit as phenomenal as this trip.
Thank you, Patrick at Scout, for making this birthday so special!
Carolyn_A
Amazing hike w Patrick who is so wonderful! We saw Nymph lake, Dream lake and amazing Emerald Lake. On the way down we also saw Bear Lake. We saw wildlife - elk, a phenomenal fox, turkeys, chipmunks. The car ride was so enjoyable learning about history of the Rocky Mountains and John Tindall. I had never seen a glacier before! Patrick provided awesome snacks and plenty of water. We highly recommend this tour.