Hiking trail

Bear Lake Trailhead

26 locals recommend,

Tips from locals

Rene’
February 19, 2020
There are soooooo many incredible hikes from this main trail head in the park. Bear Lake Loop - .8 miles around the lake - Easy/Flat Emerald Lake - 3.1 Miles features 4 lakes (Bear, Nymph, Dream and Emerald) Fern Lake from Bear Lake TH Hallet Peak
Mark
May 8, 2018
The Bear Lake Loop trail is the best of the three easy level trails around a mountain lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Located at the end of Bear Lake Road, it is also the highest, the busiest, and the most difficult for parking. I suggest you use the free RMNP shuttle from the large parking area at a lower elevation on Bear Lake Road. Once you arrive at the lake, you really know that you are in the mountains! I have heard that this is the most photographed lake in RMNP. For more hiking, there are excellent trails which begin here and climb as far as you can go into the mountains.
The Bear Lake Loop trail is the best of the three easy level trails around a mountain lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Located at the end of Bear Lake Road, it is also the highest, the busiest, and the most difficult for parking. I suggest you use the free RMNP shuttle from the large parking a…
Dao
August 10, 2021
One of the two most popular hikes in the area. Make sure you make a reservation WAY ahead of time.
Gary
June 18, 2018
One of the iconic places to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park. Head up early for parking though there are good shuttle buses through out the day for later starters:)
Janeen
March 7, 2017
Lots of different trails.

Unique things to do nearby

Moonlight Snowshoe Tour in Rocky Mountain National Park
Dream Lake Snowshoeing, Two Hour Adventure
Emerald Lake Snowshoeing, Three Hour Adventure

Locals also recommend

Location
Bear Lake Road
Estes Park, CO