15 m away
Bear Lake to Fern Lake
One-way hike using the park's free shuttle, connecting multiple alpine lakes and vistas.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 14 km
- Ascent
- 409 m
- Descent
- 819 m
Bear Lake Loop
Rocky Mountain National Park
A short scenic loop hike around beautiful Bear Lake
Hiking Easy
- Distance
- 1.1 km
- Ascent
- 12 m
- Descent
- 12 m
- Duration
- 0-1 hrs
- Low Point
- 2.9 km
- High Point
- 2.9 km
- Gradient
- 1˚
Bear Lake is one of the most popular short hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This short, flat trail circumnavigates a beautiful crystal-clear alpine lake. At only 0.7 miles round-trip with almost no climbing, this is an exceedingly easy hike, which allows everyone to enjoy the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Description
You will have to enter the national park gates to reach this trail. Entrance requirements vary from year to year and season to season. In recent years, Rocky Mountain National Park has had to institute a timed entry and reservation system to control the crowds coming into the park. Be sure to check with the National Park Service for the latest information.
Difficulty
Easy
Walking along a well-kept trail that’s mostly flat. No obstacles are present.
Low Exposure
The path is on completely flat land and potential injury is limited to falling over.
Remoteness
Close to help in case of emergency.
Best time to visit
Features
- Picturesque
- Water features
- Family friendly
Similar routes nearby
23 m away
Dream Lake and Emerald Lake
See four idyllic alpine lakes in one moderate hike.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 4.3 km
- Ascent
- 205 m
- Descent
- 205 m
475 m away
Sky Pond
Begin on the popular trail to Alberta Falls, then ascend along creeks and lakes to one of the park's most dramatic alpine basins.
Severe Hiking
- Distance
- 14 km
- Ascent
- 541 m
- Descent
- 541 m
8.8 km away
Chasm Lake
Hike up into the treeless tundra, to a glacial lake tucked beneath a 14-thousand-foot peak.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 776 m
- Descent
- 776 m
8.9 km away
Deer Mountain Trail
Warm up the legs and take in the view, on this rewarding hike near the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 9.7 km
- Ascent
- 420 m
- Descent
- 420 m
9.1 km away
Hidden Valley Nature Walk
This short, easy walk offers a quick dose of nature in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 721 m
- Ascent
- 21 m
- Descent
- 22 m
10 km away
Ute Trail to Timberline Pass
A walk through the alpine, far above treeline and away from the road.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 6.1 km
- Ascent
- 132 m
- Descent
- 132 m
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Guidebooks in this area
10 routes · Alpine Climbing · Hiking