Hike to Lake Haiyaha

Starting from the perpetually packed Bear Lake trailhead, this hike threads through two of Rocky Mountain's most photogenic lakes before delivering you to its scrappiest. The first mile follows the well-trodden path toward Dream Lake — paved, populated, and pleasant enough. At the junction, you hang left and the trail shows its true colors: root-laced, rocky, and increasingly rugged as it climbs through subalpine forest. The elevation gain is modest but steady, enough to remind your lungs you're above 9,000 feet. The final approach scrambles over a boulder field that feels like nature's obstacle course. Then Lake Haiyaha appears — a dark, moody alpine lake ringed by massive granite boulders and backed by Hallett Peak. It's wilder and far less crowded than Dream Lake, rewarding hikers who don't mind a little scrambling. Perfect for anyone who wants the Bear Lake corridor experience without the Bear Lake corridor crowds.