Bear Lake Rocky Mountains

Bear Lake Rocky Mountains

Bear Lake is a scenic destination in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is located at an elevation of 9,450 feet 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 and runs near the base of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain.

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 (16 km) long and starts close to the Beaver Meadows Entrance station of the Rocky Mountains National Park. The lake was formed during the ice age by a glacier.

Bear Lake Nature Loop Trail is around 1 mile heavily trafficked loop trail, 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. In winter it is easy snow shoe hiking.

Ice measuring 500 feet thick moved across Bear Lake basin between 15,000 and 30,000 years ago. Originating in the uppermost valley heads, glacial ice eroded high basins, called cirques, and quarried the sheet granite cliffs of Hallett Peak. Rock debris from these glaciers formed the ground moraines, or ridges, that surround Bear Lake.

The lake was formed during the ice age by a glacier. Several moraines can be found downhill of Bear Lake.

How to Reach : 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.