Off-season means low crowds, might as well bang out some of the hikes you just can’t get to in the summer without hordes of people. In the summer you’re lucky to get a parking spot at the Bear Lake Trailhead at sunrise, let alone rolling in well after the sun is warming things up. Off-season – roll right in, pick a spot, and get to hiking!
We decided to combine the tourist trap of Dream Lake and Emerald Lake with a bit more elevation to Lake Haiyaha.
50mph gusts at Haiyaha with bitter spindrift sandblasting any exposed skin, but worth it to get away from the few tourists down at Dream and Emerald!

Wind Blast

This is the face you make when you get a 60mph blast of ice chunks to the face.

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The Deep Stuff

One of the few times on this hike when the snowshoes would have come in handy!

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In The Bowl

Emerald Lake is the quintessential high alpine lake nestled among towering peaks.

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Across The Ice

Colette makes her way across Emerald Lake.

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The Peaks

Hallett Peak and it’s neighbors make a great photo.

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Long Way Across

It’s a long smooth way across Dream Lake. We even saw a couple girls ice skating on our hike back out!

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Ledge With a View

Just don’t lose your footing while you’re enamored with the view!

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The Leeward Side

Colette hides behind a massive boulder to stay out of the direct line of the crazy alpine wind.

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Bubbles

Bubbles trapped under the glacial ice at Lake Haiyaha.

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Ripples and Ridges

Windblown ripples and ridges crater the surface of Lake Haiyaha.

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Barren Landscape

It’s a barren landscape in the high alpine.

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Winter Frosting

Snow piles frost these massive boulders high in the Rockies.

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Rocky Mountain Lakes

Rocky Mountain Lakes Google Earth Profile

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