Emerald Lake Trail

Very nice stream running next to the trail. I was rather disappointed with the condition of the lake. It has been stagnant for quite some time and it not ideal for swimming.

Great hike beautiful lake!

The elevation gain happens fast. And the lake is at 9800 feet, so prepare to be winded.

For starters you have to drive all the way through Coldwater Campground for parking. Restrooms are available. make sure to go early because parking does fill up quickly. Beautiful short hike with small side trails to walk along the creek. Hike is about .75 miles both ways (1.5 miles). Dog Friendly as well.

Beautiful hiking trail parallel to a small stream, with wildflowers next to the bank, that was running in late July.  Trail has a lot of rocks and tree roots, and is a good climb uphill that I don't know if it ever really leveled off. At the halfway point, there is a fork in the path off to the right to hike to Lake George. Once you arrive at Emerald Lake, if you walk a little bit farther up the path, there is a trail sign pointing to another trail off to the right to a meadow that is only 1/4 mile up the trail. This trail is along the stream, again with many wildflowers.

A short but sweet hike with a nice lake at the top, I'd recommend continuing onto Sky Meadow if you feel up to adding another 2 miles!

Starting out from Coldwater Campground, we climbed along the stream for a few, and then the path leveled out. It was moderately busy, but it’s a very doable hike for all ages. Everyone warned us of the mosquitoes at the lake, but they weren’t too bad.

Great trail to take your four legged friend on. Beautiful lake.

Great for 2 mile round trip with the dog. 7/10 still s little snow on the trail, but no biggie.

Great for super easy 2 mile round trip with the dog!

Dogs and hubby and I enjoyed the hike up and the beautiful lake once we got there!

Gorgeous

Beautiful scenic all the way

Perfect for a family hike. We took our five year old and one year old in early June, when there were still a few patches of snow. A decent amount of shade and pretty lake to see. Next time, we will go further to see Sky Meadow. Definitely family friendly! And it could be a quick hike without kids.

Easy hike. Though there is a steady climb at the beginning, it isn't nearly as steep as the other trails in the Lakes Basin. The lake is small, but has its own unique beauty, it's not "just another lake." To make a full day out of it, after reaching Emerald Lake, head up the trail along Coldwater Creek to Sky Meadows. I imagine the wildflowers would be out of this world up there in the spring.

I also hiked this via the Lake George side, following signs to TJ and Emerald lake. Short, yet high elevation climb will leave you pretty winded if not used to the altitude. Once up it is relatively flat and easy. Views are beautiful and Crystal Crag is a sight.

The emerald lake trail is a fun easy trail for beginners. The trail starts out uphill for about half a mile then flattens out until you reach Emerald Lake. Should only take about 20 - 30 minutes at a good pace. Go in the early morning to avoid crowds (Around 8 AM is when we went).

Emerald lake is small compared to most lakes in the area but is still very beautiful. Fish were everywhere you looked in early June.

I like to turn this trail into a loop by going up Skeleton Lake about another 1.5 miles north, then from there take the trail down to Arrowhead Lake and then back to Coldwater Campground where you park. You can go even more north if you want, up to Duck Lakes if you're looking for a great overnight backpacking trip.

Overall good easy hike, great for family's and dogs. Not one of the most exciting lakes in the area to hike to by any means but still cool and one that everyone should get a chance to visit.

We loved this hike! It was mid July, and the wildflowers were just ALL over the place. Easy hike, my biggest suggestion is for Mosquito spray~ the buggers were out in full force, and being right by the water, the fed heartily!

Not a difficult hike. Good for a quick family hike. We like to follow cold water creek most of the way up (less dust). Definitely wear bug repellent.

I like to hike to Emerald lake by starting from the right side of lake George and following the signs up to lakes TJ and Barrett. From the back left side of lake Barrett (you will be able to see lake Mary off in the low ground to your right from here) you can follow the signs to Emerald lake. Very few people on the trail (far less than crystal lake trail which also starts from lake George.) watch out for bugs and enjoy!

Quick jaunt! Good, quick hike to do between arriving and dinner.

A cool little hike. Very green-don't forget bug reppellant.Early last year the mosquitos were biting right through the Deet! Bugs aren't too much of a problem later in summer/fall. Good hike for the whole fam!