The hike to Lake Helene is a popular lake hike beginning at the Bear Lake Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. Lake Helene is situated in a bowl beneath Flattop Mountain, Ptarmigan Point, and Notchtop Mountain. The trail weaves through aspen groves and pine forests with scenic mountain views at almost every turn. Explore the full Lake Helene hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and more of the details and tips 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: Lake Helene in Rocky Mountain National Park
Hike Distance | 5.8 miles Round Trip (from Bear Lake TH) |
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Difficulty | Moderate |
Duration | Approx 3 to 4 hrs Round Trip |
Trail Type | Out and Back |
Starting Elevation | 9475′ |
Elevation Gain | Approx. +1215′ |
Seasons | Year Round |
Dogs | Prohibited in RMNP |
Hike Trail Map | Click for a Map of Lake Helene RMNP |
Denver Drive Time | 2 hr |
Driving Directions to Bear Lake Trailhead | Click for Google Map |
Town Nearest Hike | Estes Park, Colorado |
Beauty | Sub-alpine lake, mountain views, wildflowers, aspen trees, ponderosa pine, wildlife: Abert’s squirrel, elk, deer, bear |
Activities | Hiking trails, snowshoeing |
Conditions at Bear Lake Trailhead | Click Here |
Fee | Park Pass Required |
Parking & Trailhead Information for Lake Helene in RMNP
The trail up to Lake Helene begins at the Bear Lake Trailhead (driving directions). In the event the parking lot at Bear Lake is full, you’ll then need to park at the Park & Ride near the Bierstadt Trailhead and take the bus into the trailhead. This service runs 7am to 7PM and more information on the RMNP shuttle bus routes can be found at this link.
The Hike: Lake Helene in RMNP
The trail to the is located along the perimeter trail of Bear Lake, and on the northeastern end of the lake. This short .4 mile trail will connect up with the Flattop Mountain trail. After hiking .5 mile on the Flattop Mountain Trail, the trail will fork. The trail to the left, leads up to Flattop Mountain. The trail to the right leads to the lake, and then on to Odessa and Fern Lake.
It’s a moderate ascent as the trail climbs approximately 2 more miles up to Odessa Gorge. At this point there is an unmaintained trail off to the left that leads hikers to Lake Helene. Because this spur trail travels over quite a bit of rock and becomes difficult to discern, the route is marked by a series of cairns (stacked rocks).
After enjoying time at the lake, hikers may want to go 1.1 mile further north on the main trail to Odessa Lake.
Tips & Resources for Hiking to Lake Helene in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Trekking Poles & Traction Devices are Recommended in Spring and Winter: During this time of year, there can be patches and even longer segments of snow and ice on the trail. Because of this, we recommend Trekking Poles and/or Traction Devices for this trail.
- Trail Map for Bear Lake Corridor: 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 Justin Mier for sharing such an amazing photograph of this hike to Lake Helene in RMNP.
- After the Hike: Baba’s Burgers & Gyros in Estes Park
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.