Lake Haiyaha Trail

Lake Haiyaha (the name comes from a word for “rocks” or “big rocks,” and it fits) sits in a jumble of granite boulders above the Bear Lake corridor. From Bear Lake the trail climbs past the Dream Lake area and traverses over to Haiyaha, roughly two miles of moderate hiking with fine views of Longs Peak and the surrounding walls along the way; the final approach to the water is a hop across large boulders.

Since a 2022 rockslide upstream, the lake has often glowed an astonishing milky turquoise from suspended rock flour — a color that draws crowds when it's running strong. It connects on into Glacier Gorge (toward The Loch and Mills) for longer loops. National Park land: no dogs, and a timed-entry + Bear Lake Road permit is usually required in summer.

Trail Facts

Getting There

From the Bear Lake Trailhead (Bear Lake Road; timed-entry + permit usually required in summer, or ride the shuttle), climb toward Dream Lake and follow signs for Lake Haiyaha. The final stretch scrambles over large boulders to the shore.

0.0 mi	Bear Lake Trailhead
~1.0 mi	Dream Lake area junction
~2.1 mi	Lake Haiyaha — boulder shore, turquoise water

Know Before You Go

• Boulder scramble at the lake. The last bit hops across big rocks — watch footing.
• National Park rules. No dogs; timed-entry + Bear Lake Road permit usually required in summer.
• Turquoise, when it's running. The famous color comes and goes with rock flour from the 2022 slide — not guaranteed.
• Start early. Bear Lake parking fills fast; use the shuttle.