I snowshoed up to Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park last week with my kids. This is the perfect trail for kids. It is not too long and the kids love playing on the ice coating Dream Lake at the end of the hike. At just over a mile in length, the trail is fairly easy with only a couple of steep sections. It is heavily used so the snow gets packed firm. Snowshoes aren;t even necessary most of the trip. The cleats certainly help on the ice, though.
The lake is a good spot to do winter photography. The ice makes for some cool abstract compositions and the lake itself it surrounded by mountain peaks. This place is a true test of HDR software, however. The lake sits in shade while the peaks are bathed in sunshine.
Directions
To access Dream Lake, take the Bear Lake road until it ends in the national park. The trail ascends to the left from the Bear Lake parking lot. Dream Lake is 1.1 miles from the trailhead. You can continue another 3/4 of a mile or so to reach Emerald Lake.
