Bierstadt Lake is a short destination hike in Rocky Mountain National Park to a sub-alpine lake with great panoramic views. At Bierstadt Lake, the trail forms a 1 mile loop along its shores, making it a perfect leisurely hike with friends. Bierstadt lake can be accessed from several different trailheads with differing terrain and demand. Explore the full Bierstadt Lake hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and more of the details you need to enjoy this adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Note: Rocky Mountain National Park now requires timed entry permits from May 27th through October 10th. See the RMNP permits page for more information.
Trail Snapshot: Bierstadt Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park
Hike Distance | 3.2 to 4.8 miles Round Trip (depending on trailhead and adding loop) |
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Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
Duration | Approx 2 hrs Round Trip |
Trail Type | Out and Back or Lollipop Loop |
Starting Elevation | 8850′ |
Elevation Gain | +566′ from Bierstadt TH, +255′ from Bear Lake TH |
Seasons | Spring through Fall, Winter Snowshoeing |
Dogs | Dogs Prohibited in RMNP |
Hike Trail Map | Click for a Trail Map |
Denver Drive Time | 2 hr |
Driving Directions to Bierstadt Lake Trailhead | Click for Google Map |
Driving Directions to the Bear Lake Trailhead | Click for Google Map |
Driving Directions to Park & Ride Trailhead | Click for Google Map |
Town Nearest Hike | Estes Park, Colorado |
Beauty | Sub-alpine lakes, mountain views, wildlife: Abert’s squirrel, elk, deer, waterfowl, moose; aspen trees |
Activities | Picnicking, Hiking Trails, Snowshoeing |
Fee | Park Pass Required |
Parking & Trailhead Information for Bierstadt Lake Trail
Bierstadt Lake can be accessed from several trailheads in Rocky Mountain National Park. Driving directions to all of these trailheads are available in the Bierstadt Lake trail snapshot above. Review the options below to find the best fit for your hiking plans.
From the Bierstadt Trailhead: Limited parking and the most difficult route because of the elevation gain traversing Bierstadt Moraine. This route is 1.4 miles to the lake with +566′ elevation gain.
From Bear Lake Trailhead: Recommended for those looking for a less demanding hike to Bierstadt Lake. This way is 1.6 miles to the lake with about +255′ elevation gain.
From the Park & Ride lot in RMNP: There is a trail on the northwestern edge of the parking lot that leads directly to Bierstadt Lake. It is approximately 1.5 miles from the parking lot to Bierstadt Lake and a less demanding route than hiking from the Bierstadt Trailhead.
The Hike: Bierstadt Lake Trail in RMNP
The hike to Bierstadt Lake will be different depending on your starting point. I’ve hiked the trail starting at the Bierstadt Trailhead. It’s demanding. The Bierstadt Moraine will require a lot from your quads. So, if you take this route, be sure to bring some trekking poles.
The route from Bear Lake can be accessed by hiking the paved path from the trailhead to Bear Lake, then taking the first right-hand trail, which is the one that leads to Flattop Mountain. You may be thinking, “Flattop is in the west, and Bierstadt Lake is in the east.” You’re right, and the trail will soon (after approx. 1/2 mile) split. At this first junction, the right-hand path will take you Northeast into the Mill Creek Basin area.
Down in Mill Creek Basin, a spur trail, to the right, will lead to Bierstadt Lake. If you want to make your hike a bit longer, you can pass this spur trail, and hike further through the basin for about another 1/2 mile until you encounter a 2nd spur trail that leads (to the right/east) over to Lake Bierstadt.
Hikers can pick a spot to rest and enjoy the sites of the lake, or they can continue around the 1 mile loop trail that encircles it. The best views are from the east side, and are worth the extra distance to take in some incredible views of the Rocky Mountains.
Tips & Resources for Hiking to Bierstadt Lake in RMNP
- Trekking Poles: For most hikes in RMNP, especially if you are traveling on unmaintained trails, we recommend using Trekking Poles. They take a lot of weight off the knees and help in navigating uneven terrain.
- TIP: The Bierstadt Lake trailhead has limited parking. You can opt to park at Bear Lake, or the Park & Ride trailhead instead.
- Fishing: Bierstadt Lake is not on the list of fishable lakes in RMNP.
- Trail Map for Bear Lake Corridor Trails: Trail Map Link
- Packing List: Always pack the 10 Essentials. Download our Hiking Guide to get list and dayhiking packing checklist.
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- Photo: We would like to express our gratitude to Chris for sharing such an amazing photograph of this hike to Bierstadt Lake in RMNP.
- After the Hike: Baba’s Burgers & Gyros
Weather
Map & Driving Directions
Click for Driving Directions
Aaron Johnson has been hiking in Colorado for over 20 years. The owner and editor of Dayhikes Near Denver, Aaron writes every trail profile as a local guide who has hiked hundreds of miles of trails along the Front Range and deep in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.