Hike to The Pool in Rocky Mountain National Park | Moderate Hikes

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The Pool - 1.7 miles

Trail Type: Moderate Hike
Trailhead: Fern Lake
Trailhead Elevation: 8,155'
Destination Elevation: 8,319'
Total Elevation Gain: 245'
Total Roundtrip Miles: 3.4

The Big Thompson River below The Pool.

Trail Description
This trail has experienced significant fire damage from the 2020 East Troublesome Fire.
The casual hike to The Pool on the Fern Lake trail in Rocky Mountain National Park follows the Upper Big Thompson River through pine forest. Mountain views of Sprague Mtn and Stones Peak in the west begin the hike. While the trail has some rocky stretches and short up-hill spots, it is generally easy hiking with many river-side stopping places along the way. The trail continues beyond The Pool to Fern Falls and Fern Lake or loops back toward Cub Lake.

How to Get There
Take the Bear Lake Road from US 36 for 1 mile to the Moraine Park Campground road and follow signs to the Fern Lake trailhead. 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