
Sunrise photo hike to Dream and Emerald Lakes
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Sunrise photo hike to Dream and Emerald Lakes worth booking?
Sunrise photo hike to Dream and Emerald Lakes is a 4-hour experience in Rocky Mountain National Park, United States, from $295 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (7)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $295 per person
Hike to some of the most stunning mountain lakes on the planet for a memorable sunrise. I will show you great locations for setting up for fantastic photos of Dream and Emerald Lakes (and if we have time, Nymph Lake as w
What you get
About this experience
Hike to some of the most stunning mountain lakes on the planet for a memorable sunrise. I will show you great locations for setting up for fantastic photos of Dream and Emerald Lakes (and if we have time, Nymph Lake as well). I offer suggestions for photo composition as we go, and can also offer photo instruction on camera settings for those that would like some pointers. Don't have a RMNP entrance reservation? No need! My commercial use permit means you don't need a timed entry permit if you are with me!
What's included
Included
- Snacks
- Time entry permits are not required when entering the park with a licensed guide like myself.
Not included
- Park entrance - bring your national parks pass, or receipt from previous entry into RMNP
What you'll see and do
Dream Lake
Photograph sunrise as the morning sun hits Hallett Peak
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Emerald Lake
Bring your widest angle lens to photograph this stunning mountain lake at 10,000' elevation!
45 minutes here · Admission not included
Nymph Lake
Reflections of Longs Peak on the way back down to the trailhead.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Rocky Mountain National Park
Meet in front of the visitor center (it will be closed). We will carpool from there. Bring your parks pass if you have one! We will meet approximately 90 minutes before sunrise that day. NEW: We will caravan to the trailhead in your own vehicle for better social distancing.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet in front of the visitor center (it will be closed). We will carpool from there. Bring your parks pass if you have one! We will meet approximately 90 minutes before sunrise that day. NEW: We will caravan to the trailhead in your own vehicle for better social distancing.
Options you can book
Fall foliage on bear Lake
Fall color on Bear Lake: During fall color (typically mid Sept to early Oct) we will extend the tour to photograph the spectacular Aspens on Bear Lake
Winter Hike to Dream Lake, etc
Winter Route: Winter hikes may visit Dream & Bear Lakes, depending on conditions. You should be prepared with spikes/snowshoes
Sunrise photo hike to Dream and Emerald Lakes
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Rock Light Photo Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Not recommended for your first day at altitude.
- Moderate hike - 4 miles round trip, starting at 9400' elevation and gaining about 700'
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Sunrise photo hike to Dream and Emerald Lakes. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fun, engaging and productive photography trip!
I am brand new to "non-iPhone" photography and wanted a guide to help - both with my photography skill and also the national park (firs time visitor). I brought a Canon EOS RP with several lenses and my sister brought a new high-end point-and-shoot (OM TG-7). Geremy exceeded all expectations! He was highly engaging upon booking, inquisitive of our current skill and experience level, interest and goals for the trip. On the trail, he was very helpful with both composition and camera skill - and he was familiar with both cameras which was amazing! We learned new tricks, captured desired images, and throughly enjoyed getting to know each other. We will definitely book with them again. Thank you, Geremy!
via Tripadvisor
Truly a Dream
Colin was a great guide. Wonderful knowledge of the hike terrain and local info. He was able to time our hike to arrive at the best light and made suggestions of stronger images. Well done!
via Tripadvisor
Perfect balance of nature and knowledge
Colin was patient and provided great local knowledge as well as camera and photography knowledge. He was willing to give hands on advice with my husband’s camera. He told some awesome stories about the trail and when the light hit something just right you saw him get in his own landscape photography element. It was such a great experience we are looking at some of his other photo hike tour offerings. We highly recommend this stunning photo hike with Colin as well as any others he offers!
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful tour!
Had a fantastic time and learned a ton touring the park with Colin. Appreciated the in depth knowledge and flexibility when dealing with photographers of various levels.
via Tripadvisor
Dream Lake Sunrise
The sunrise light on the mountains was amazing!! Colin knows the best locations in RMNP for landscape photography. He is very engaging and provides one on one assistance to help achieve the best results.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Sunrise photo hike to Dream and Emerald Lakes: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rocky Mountain National Park.
How much does Sunrise photo hike to Dream and Emerald Lakes cost?
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Prices start at $295 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Rocky Mountain National Park usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Sunrise photo hike to Dream and Emerald Lakes take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Rocky Mountain National Park is not rushed.
Is Sunrise photo hike to Dream and Emerald Lakes worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Rocky Mountain National Park, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Sunrise photo hike to Dream and Emerald Lakes?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Sunrise photo hike to Dream and Emerald Lakes suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Sunrise photo hike to Dream and Emerald Lakes?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Rocky Mountain National Park can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Rocky Mountain National Park and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Sunrise photo hike to Dream and Emerald Lakes start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Rocky Mountain National Park within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park?
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On Outty we rank every Rocky Mountain National Park experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Private Wildlife Driving Tour in Rocky Mountain National Park, Private Wildlife Hiking Tour in Rocky Mountain National Park, Private Geology Tour in Rocky Mountain National Park. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Rocky Mountain National Park?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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