Read more: The Most Beautiful Places In America's State And National Parks The route travels up, up, up, and away, gaining over 1,200 feet in just 1.38 miles from the Colorado River to the lake.

With over 350 miles of trails to choose from, it can be hard to know where to begin. That’s why we’ve picked out the best ...

It sits at an elevation of 8,369 feet and is home to the deepest and largest natural lake in Colorado ... iconic hikes like the beginner-friendly Emerald Lake Trail and Sprague Lake.

[See more of Rocky Mountain National Park: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos] Tucked into the mountains in Colorado's stunning Rocky Mountain National Park, Emerald Lake is accessible ...