From Quiet Trail to Bucket List: Lake Haiyaha’s Big Reveal

The mornings up here have that crisp snap now—the kind that makes you wonder if you should’ve packed a beanie instead of that trusty ball cap. Summer’s just about packed up its cooler, but the Bear Lake Road corridor is still buzzing like a beehive on espresso.

 

Not so long ago, Lake Haiyaha was the quieter cousin of Bear, Nymph, and Dream Lakes. Just a 2.2-mile climb with a few boulders to scramble over, and you could munch trail mix in peace. Then came the June 2022 rockslide in Chaos Canyon, spilling glacial dust that turned Haiyaha’s water a jaw-dropping turquoise. Word spread faster than a chipmunk spotting a dropped Cheeto, and suddenly the lake went from “hidden gem” to Instagram celebrity.

 

These days, the trail’s as crowded as the donut case at the gas station on elk-fest weekend. Add in the timed-entry system (running through October 19, 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.), and you’ll want to plan like a pro.

Remember, that permit covers Moraine Park, Sprague Lake, Bear Lake, and Haiyaha. And with fresh September snow dustin’ the peaks, microspikes ain’t optional—they’re mandatory if you like stayin’ upright.

 

Meanwhile, Estes Park’s got some new tricks. Fun City rolled out a spinning roller coaster at 7,545 feet, the highest of its kind in the country. And after nearly 70 years, the Heron family passed the Aerial Tramway torch to Gondola Ventures. Change is in the alpine air—right alongside the smell of pumpkin spice lattes.

 

Mountain takeaway: If you’re lookin’ for that quiet, soul-soothing view of Haiyaha, set your alarm before sunrise. The lake will glow like a painter’s palette, the peaks will stand tall, and you’ll be long gone before the selfie-stick stampede arrives.