Bear Lake Trail: A Jewel of Rocky Mountain National Park
Discover breathtaking alpine scenery on the accessible Bear Lake Trail, a must-see destination in Rocky Mountain National Park.
The Bear Lake Trail is a gentle 0.7-mile loop encircling Bear Lake, one of the most visited destinations in Rocky Mountain National Park. This accessible trail offers stunning views of the lake, surrounding peaks like Hallett Peak, and the Continental Divide, making it perfect for families and visitors of all abilities.
A brief summary to Bear Lake Trail
- Colorado, 80517, US
Local tips
- Arrive early or use the free park shuttle to avoid parking hassles, especially during the busy summer months.
- Purchase a timed-entry permit in advance at recreation.gov to access the Bear Lake Road Corridor during peak season.
- Wear appropriate footwear; traction devices are recommended when the trail is snow-covered.
- Hike the loop counterclockwise to follow along with the interpretive guide published by the Rocky Mountain Conservancy.
Getting There
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Shuttle
During the summer, utilize the park's free shuttle service from the Park & Ride near Glacier Basin Campground or the Estes Park Visitor Center. The Bear Lake Route shuttle will drop you off near the Bear Lake Trailhead. Shuttle service is free.
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Driving
From Estes Park, drive approximately 4 miles southwest on Highway 36 to the Rocky Mountain National Park entrance at Beaver Meadows. Turn left onto Bear Lake Road and continue for about 10 miles to the Bear Lake Trailhead parking area. A timed-entry permit is required to access Bear Lake Road between May and October. Park entrance fees also apply. Daily pass is $30.
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Walking
From the Bear Lake parking area, walk a short distance uphill past the Bear Lake Ranger Station to reach the lake. The trail around the lake begins just beyond the ranger station.
Discover more about Bear Lake Trail
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Forest Canyon Overlook
10.7 km
Discover the breathtaking views and serene beauty at Forest Canyon Overlook in Rocky Mountain National Park, a must-visit for every nature lover.
Aspen Winds on Fall River
11.0 km
Discover tranquility at Aspen Winds on Fall River, a perfect lodge for nature lovers and adventure seekers in Estes Park, Colorado.
Tour Estes Park
11.3 km
Explore the stunning natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and charming culture of Estes Park, your gateway to the Rocky Mountains.
The Wapiti Colorado Pub
11.5 km
Discover the flavors of Colorado at The Wapiti Colorado Pub in Estes Park, where local craft beers and delicious comfort food await.
Red Rose Rock Shop
11.8 km
Explore the Red Rose Rock Shop in Estes Park – a gem of natural wonders showcasing exquisite rocks, minerals, and unique souvenirs.
Estes Park Aerial Tramway Top Terminal
12.1 km
Experience the breathtaking vistas of the Rockies with a ride on the Estes Park Aerial Tramway, a must-visit tourist attraction in Colorado.
Saint Catherine's Chapel on the Rock
12.1 km
Explore the spiritual and architectural charm of Saint Catherine's Chapel on the Rock amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Colorado.
Open Air Adventure Park
12.1 km
Experience the thrill of outdoor adventures at Open Air Adventure Park, where excitement meets breathtaking natural beauty in Estes Park, Colorado.
Estes Park Brewery
12.1 km
Discover the flavors of Estes Park at Estes Park Brewery, where craft beer meets stunning mountain views and delicious pub fare.
Fun City
12.2 km
Discover endless fun for the whole family at Fun City, Estes Park's ultimate amusement park, featuring go-karts, miniature golf, and more!
Mrs. Walsh's Garden
12.2 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Mrs. Walsh's Garden in Estes Park, a serene retreat filled with vibrant flora and enchanting sculptures.
Performance Park
12.3 km
Discover the stunning Performance Park in Estes Park, Colorado - where breathtaking nature meets captivating performances in an enchanting amphitheater.
Estes Park Aerial Tramway
12.3 km
Experience breathtaking views and adventure at Estes Park Aerial Tramway, a premier mountain cable car attraction in the heart of Colorado's Rockies.
The Water Wheel
12.4 km
Discover the enchanting Water Wheel in Estes Park, a serene landmark that beautifully combines nature, history, and family fun.
Snowy Peaks Winery
12.4 km
Experience the perfect blend of exquisite local wines and breathtaking Rocky Mountain views at Snowy Peaks Winery in Estes Park, Colorado.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bear Lake Trailhead
0.3 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Bear Lake Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park, an outdoor haven for hiking and nature enthusiasts alike.
Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead
0.7 km
Explore Rocky Mountain National Park's stunning trails from Glacier Gorge Junction, a hiker's paradise with alpine lakes and waterfalls.
Dream Lake
1.1 km
Hike to a fairytale: Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park offers stunning views and an easy escape into alpine beauty.
Alberta Falls
1.4 km
Hike to a stunning 30-foot waterfall through beautiful forests in Rocky Mountain National Park. An easy and accessible natural wonder near Estes Park.
Lake Haiyaha To Mills/Loch Jct Trl
1.5 km
Discover the turquoise waters and rugged beauty of Lake Haiyaha in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.
Lake Haiyaha
1.6 km
Discover Lake Haiyaha in Rocky Mountain National Park: A moderate hike to stunning alpine views and unique turquoise waters.
Emerald Lake
1.7 km
Hike to Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park for breathtaking alpine scenery and emerald-green waters.
Fern Lake
3.5 km
Hike to a pristine alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, surrounded by stunning views and natural beauty.
Sprague Lake
3.7 km
Enjoy an easy, scenic hike around Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, with stunning mountain views and accessible trails.
Lake Of Glass
3.9 km
Hike to Lake of Glass in Rocky Mountain National Park for stunning reflections and breathtaking mountain views.
Rocky Mountain National Park
4.4 km
Discover the majestic beauty of the Rockies: hiking, scenic drives & wildlife await in this iconic Colorado National Park.
Hollowell Park
4.7 km
Find serenity at Hollowell Park in Rocky Mountain National Park, with stunning views, picnic spots, and easy hiking trails.
Fern Lake Trailhead
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Hike to a serene alpine lake through diverse landscapes in Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park, Colorado.
Moraine Park
6.1 km
Discover Moraine Park in Rocky Mountain National Park: A glacier-carved valley offering hiking, wildlife, and stunning mountain views year-round.
Keyhole Route
6.2 km
Experience the thrill of summiting Longs Peak via the iconic Keyhole Route, a challenging mountaineering adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Essential places to dine
The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern
9.5 km
Experience the best of American cuisine and craft brews at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern in Estes Park – your cozy retreat after exploring nature's wonders.
Twin Owls Steakhouse
10.2 km
Experience exceptional steaks and American cuisine at Twin Owls Steakhouse in Estes Park – where quality meets stunning mountain views.
Bird & Jim
10.3 km
Discover Bird & Jim: An exceptional dining experience featuring local American cuisine and stunning views in Estes Park.
Boss Burgers and Gyros
10.6 km
Indulge in mouth-watering burgers and authentic gyros at Boss Burgers and Gyros – your go-to spot in scenic Estes Park.
Smokin' Dave's BBQ - ESTES PARK
10.8 km
Experience mouthwatering barbecue at Smokin' Dave's BBQ in Estes Park - where smoky flavors meet stunning mountain views.
Trailhead Restaurant
11.0 km
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Coffee on the Rocks
11.8 km
Discover Coffee on the Rocks in Estes Park – where quality brews meet breathtaking mountain views for an unforgettable experience.
Rivers Edge BBQ
11.9 km
Experience mouthwatering barbecue at Rivers Edge BBQ in Estes Park – where flavor meets nature's beauty.
Big Horn Restaurant
12.2 km
Experience family-friendly dining at Big Horn Restaurant in Estes Park with delicious American cuisine perfect for all tastes and budgets.
The View Restaurant
12.2 km
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Sweet Basilico Cafe
12.2 km
Discover authentic Italian flavors amidst stunning mountain views at Sweet Basilico Cafe in Estes Park.
Twisted Griffin Irish Pub & Restaurant
12.4 km
Discover authentic Irish cuisine and warm hospitality at Twisted Griffin in Estes Park—your perfect dining destination in Colorado.
The Grubsteak Restaurant
12.5 km
Discover The Grubsteak Restaurant in Estes Park – where exceptional steaks meet warm hospitality amidst stunning mountain views.
The Wild Rose Restaurant
12.5 km
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Bob & Tonys Pizza
12.5 km
Experience authentic pizza crafted with love at Bob & Tony's Pizza in Estes Park – your perfect dining stop amidst Colorado's natural beauty.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Mad Moose
10.4 km
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The Village Store of Estes Park
10.4 km
Discover the charm of The Village Store in Estes Park, a perfect blend of clothing, gifts, and souvenirs for every traveler.
Wild Horse Gift Shop
10.9 km
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Rocky Mountain Gateway
11.0 km
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The Trading Post of the Rockies
11.9 km
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Lizzie's Boutique
12.1 km
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Omnibus
12.4 km
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Over The Edge
12.4 km
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Favorite Things
12.4 km
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The Whispering Wood
12.4 km
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Country West City East Gifts
12.4 km
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Cabin Fever of Estes Park Co
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Rocky Mountain Souvenirs
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Estes Park Souvenirs
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Annie's
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Rock Cut Brewing Company
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Full Throttle Distillery & Grill Estes Park
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Lonigans Saloon Nightclub & Grill, An Irish Pub
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Wheel Bar
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The Whiskey Bar At The Cascades Restaurant
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217 Wine Bar
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Avant Garde Aleworks
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The Bull Pin - Elevated Entertainment
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Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co.
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Pits & Stems
43.8 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Pits & Stems, Boulder’s premier cocktail bar known for its innovative drinks and welcoming ambiance.
Randi's Grill & Pub
45.1 km
Experience authentic Irish cuisine and warm hospitality at Randi's Grill & Pub in Winter Park, a cozy getaway for food lovers and adventure seekers.
West End Tavern
45.3 km
Discover the West End Tavern in Boulder, Colorado – a lively bar with stunning rooftop views, delicious food, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for unwinding.
Press Play Bar LP
45.3 km
Discover the joy of retro gaming and craft beverages at Press Play Bar in Boulder, where every visit promises fun and unforgettable memories.
The Bitter Bar
45.3 km
Discover The Bitter Bar, Boulder’s premier cocktail destination, offering unique drinks and a vibrant ambiance for a perfect night out.
License No. 1
45.3 km
Discover the heart of Boulder's nightlife at License No. 1, where live music meets delicious dining in a vibrant atmosphere.
