Hike the Bierstadt Lake trail in Rocky Mountain National Park | Moderate Hikes

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Bierstadt Lake & Moraine - 3.3 miles
(Bear Lake to Bierstadt TH)

Trail Type: Moderate Hike
Trailhead: Bear Lake
Trailhead Elevation: 9,475'
Destination Elevation: 9,435'
Total Elevation Gain: -625'
Total Roundtrip Miles: 3.3

Bierstadt Lake

Trail Description
This iconic Rocky Mountain National Park hike described here is one direction, a through-hike, beginning at the Bear Lake TH and ending at the Bierstadt Lake TH. The hike begins on the well traveled Flattop Mountain trail. A little more sure-footedness is necessary after the cut off as the trail has a fair number of rock-toe stubbers and root-grabbers. But the gradual downhill two mile hike though quite forest is pleasant. Follow the trail to the left around the lake to take in the various views. Finish the hike by following the numerous switchbacks with outrageous mountain vistas down the Bierstadt Moraine to the Bierstadt TH and catch a ride on the Park's free shuttles back up to The Bear Lake TH.

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