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<<<  Bear Lake  >>>

0.5 mile loop

Trail Type: Short Loop Hike
Trailhead: Bear Lake
Trailhead Elevation: 9,475'    
Destination Elevation: 9,522'

​Total Elevation Gain: 20'
​
Total Roundtrip Miles: 0.5

Bear Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park
Bear Lake
Trail Description
​The trail around this high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park is among the most commonly hiked trails in the Park. Enjoy magnificent views of Hallett Peak and walk along the north shore to see views of Longs Peak and the Key Board of the Winds. The walk does include many scenic benches and resting places and part of the trail is Handicap accessible. Be sure to pick up the Self-Guided Nature Walk pamphlet available.

How to Get There
​Take the Bear Lake Road from US 36 to
 the Bear Lake trailhead, 9.7 miles. Parking during the summer season is very limited. It's best to utilize the Hiker Shuttle from the Estes Park Visitor Center and the Park Shuttle Buses.

Trail Profile
Profile, Bear Lake Loop Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park
See an Index of Trail Profiles here
Weather Information
NWS Weather Link
Trail Map

Photo Gallery

Blog Post
A Winter Hike at Bear Lake in
​Rocky Mountain National Park

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  • Home
  • Hike Rocky Magazine
    • Hike Rocky magazine
    • RMNP Updates
    • Trail Reviews
    • Gear Reviews
    • Science & Ecology
    • History & Current Issues
    • Stories & Adventure
    • Culture and Arts in the Park
    • The Continental Divide Story, 1977 by Kip Rusk
  • Trail Guide to RMNP
    • Trails by Location >
      • Wild Basin & Longs Peak Area
      • Bear Lake Corridor
      • Northern Park
      • West Side
    • Trails by Distance >
      • Short
      • Moderate
      • Longer
      • Challenge
    • Trails by Destination >
      • Lakes
      • Waterfalls
      • Peaks >
        • Peaks By Elevation
      • Loop Hikes
    • Index of Trails
  • Wildflowers of RMNP
    • By Color
    • April/May Flowers
    • June/July Flowers
    • August/September Flowers
    • Wildflower Guide Curators
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • Supporting Partners
    • Media Kit
    • 2025 Hike Rocky Print Edition
    • 2024 Hike Rocky Print Magazine