From Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park (just 2 hours from Denver), you can launch out on dozens of hiking adventures, trails that range from less than a mile to full day treks back into Glacier Gorge or Andrews Creek. If you are visiting Colorado and looking for a high variety of trails or just a good place to start your vacation, this is one of the best places in the state. For details on the trail, see the hiking trail profile below, and download the trail map to get an idea of the different hikes that begin at Bear Lake. Photo Courtesy of Ben Grey.
| Hike Distance | 0.6 mile loop |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Duration | Approx 30 min |
| Trail Type | Loop |
| Starting Elevation | 9475′ |
| Elevation Gain | +20′ |
| Seasons | Year Round |
| Dogs | Dogs Prohibited in RMNP |
| Hike Trail Map | Click for a Trail Map |
| Denver Drive Time | 2 hours |
| Driving Directions to Bear Lake Trailhead | Click for Google Map |
| Town Nearest Hike | Estes Park, Colorado |
| Beauty | Sub-Alpine Lake, Mountain Views, Wildlife: Abert’s Squirrel, Elk, Bear |
| Activities | Picnicking, Snowshoeing, Hiking Trails |
| Conditions at Bear Lake Trailhead | Click Here |
| Fee | Park Pass Required |
Bear lake is the epicenter of Rocky Mountain National Park. This means that you can access a ton of trails from here, but it also means a lot of traffic. So, we always recommend getting there early, on weekdays, and to go during the off-season – if you can. The Bear Lake Trail is a short 0.6 mile loop around a beautiful lake with views of the Rocky Mountains. The hike is considered handicap accessible; however, the trail is not paved.
Tips & Resources for Hiking Bear Lake In Rocky Mountain National Park :
- For Disabled Visitors: Check out the Disabled Travelers’ Companion Website for great info and pictures on more accessible trails in RMNP
- Check out: See our Handicap Accessible Hikes Page for more hikes as well
- Visiting Family & Friends: This is a great place to take visiting family and friends because it’s not too difficult, and you have a lot of options if you want to explore the park
- Bring a Lunch: Getting this far into the park, even just driving, is quite a trip from the outside world. We suggest packing a lunch so that you can stay longer. And food just tastes better outside anyway.
- Trail Map for Rocky Mountain National Park: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Poppy’s Pizza
Weather
Estes Park, CO
A great gentle easy hike. My dad managed it with a boot on (ankle problems) and the views are breathtaking!
I agree, Bear Lake is a great place to start a Colorado hiking vacation. Lots of trails start from the area and you only have to walk about fifty feet from your car to have a beautiful view of the lake.
bear lake is a beautiful and good place