Bear Lake Natural Trail Rocky Mountain

Bear Lake Natural Trail Rocky Mt National Park

Bear Lake is a scenic trailhead and destination in Rocky Mountain National Park. Sitting at an elevation of 9,450 feet (2,880 m), the alpine lake rests beneath the sheer flanks of Hallett Peak and the Continental Divide. Several trails, from easy strolls to strenuous hikes, start from the lake. The Bear Lake Road is open year-round, though it may temporarily close due to adverse weather conditions. An ample parking lot is provided close to the lake.  The Bear Lake Road is approximately 10 miles long and starts close to the Beaver Meadows Entrance station of the Rocky Mountains National Park.

Bear Lake Nature Trail is a 0.8 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Estes Park, Colorado that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from March until November.

 

·         Trail Features:                  Scenic Lake Views, Fall Aspens        

·         Trail Location:                  Bear Lake - Glacial Lake       

·         Roundtrip Length:                       0.8 Miles        

·         Trailhead Elevation:                    9475 Feet       

·         Total Elevation Gain:                   45 Feet

·         Avg. Elev Gain / Mile:                  113 Feet          

·         Highest Elevation:                       9520 Feet

 

Since this is a nature trail the park recommends hiking the loop in a counter-clockwise direction in order to follow along with an interpretative guide, published by the Rocky Mountain Conservancy. It provides natural, geological and historical information for the 30 marked spots along the 0.8-mile route.

The Bear Lake Loop in Rocky Mountain National Park is located at the end of Bear Lake Road, 9 miles from the turn-off at Highway 36. Due to the extreme popularity of the area you may want to consider using the free park shuttle to reach the trailhead during peak tourist season.