Fern Lake: A Rocky Mountain National Park Gem
Hike to a pristine alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, surrounded by stunning views and natural beauty.
Fern Lake, nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, is a stunning alpine lake accessible via a scenic 3.8-mile (one-way) trail. The moderate hike offers views of the Big Thompson River, Fern Falls, and surrounding peaks, making it a popular destination for hikers of all skill levels.
A brief summary to Fern Lake
- Colorado, US
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially during peak season, as parking at the Fern Lake Trailhead is limited.
- Consider taking the free hiker shuttle from the Moraine Park Visitor Center to avoid parking hassles, but be prepared for an extra 0.8-mile walk to the trailhead.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, as the hike to Fern Lake is moderately strenuous.
- Check the weather forecast before you go and be prepared for changing conditions, especially in the mountains.
- Be aware that a Timed Entry Permit may be required to access the Bear Lake Road corridor, especially from late May through October.
Getting There
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Driving
From Estes Park, drive west on US Hwy 36 to Bear Lake Road (approx. 1.3 miles). Turn left onto Bear Lake Road and continue for 1.3 miles, then turn right onto Moraine Park Campground Road. After a short distance, turn left at the sign indicating 'Riding Stable and Trailheads.' Follow this road along Moraine Park to the Fern Lake Trailhead at the end of the road. Note that parking is limited, and a timed entry permit may be required. As of July 2025, a park access pass costs $25 per day.
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Shuttle
During the summer, the Hiker Shuttle provides free transportation from the Estes Park Visitor Center and the Park & Ride lot to the Fern Lake Trailhead. From the Fern Lake shuttle stop, walk an additional 0.8 miles along the dirt road to reach the trailhead. Check the RMNP website for the shuttle schedule and operating dates.
Discover more about Fern Lake
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Rocky Mountain National Park Sign
10.8 km
Discover the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of Rocky Mountain National Park, a natural wonder in Colorado for outdoor adventures and serene escapes.
Aspen Winds on Fall River
11.4 km
Discover tranquility at Aspen Winds on Fall River, a perfect lodge for nature lovers and adventure seekers in Estes Park, Colorado.
The Wapiti Colorado Pub
12.2 km
Discover the flavors of Colorado at The Wapiti Colorado Pub in Estes Park, where local craft beers and delicious comfort food await.
Tour Estes Park
12.6 km
Explore the stunning natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and charming culture of Estes Park, your gateway to the Rocky Mountains.
Red Rose Rock Shop
13.1 km
Explore the Red Rose Rock Shop in Estes Park – a gem of natural wonders showcasing exquisite rocks, minerals, and unique souvenirs.
Mrs. Walsh's Garden
13.3 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
13.4 km
Discover the stunning Performance Park in Estes Park, Colorado - where breathtaking nature meets captivating performances in an enchanting amphitheater.
Estes Park Brewery
13.4 km
Discover the flavors of Estes Park at Estes Park Brewery, where craft beer meets stunning mountain views and delicious pub fare.
Open Air Adventure Park
13.4 km
Experience the thrill of outdoor adventures at Open Air Adventure Park, where excitement meets breathtaking natural beauty in Estes Park, Colorado.
Alpine Visitor Center
13.4 km
Discover breathtaking views and rich history at the Alpine Visitor Center, your gateway to the stunning Rocky Mountain National Park.
Fun City
13.4 km
Discover endless fun for the whole family at Fun City, Estes Park's ultimate amusement park, featuring go-karts, miniature golf, and more!
The Water Wheel
13.5 km
Discover the enchanting Water Wheel in Estes Park, a serene landmark that beautifully combines nature, history, and family fun.
Estes Park Aerial Tramway Top Terminal
13.5 km
Experience the breathtaking vistas of the Rockies with a ride on the Estes Park Aerial Tramway, a must-visit tourist attraction in Colorado.
Penelope's Old Time Burgers
13.6 km
Enjoy mouthwatering burgers and a nostalgic atmosphere at Penelope's Old Time Burgers in Estes Park, the perfect stop for travelers seeking a hearty meal.
THE BARREL
13.6 km
Discover The Barrel in Estes Park: a delightful beer garden offering craft brews, cocktails, and stunning views of the Colorado mountains.
Unmissable attractions to see
Rocky Mountain National Park
0.9 km
Discover the majestic beauty of the Rockies: hiking, scenic drives & wildlife await in this iconic Colorado National Park.
Emerald Lake
3.1 km
Hike to Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park for breathtaking alpine scenery and emerald-green waters.
Dream Lake
3.3 km
Hike to a fairytale: Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park offers stunning views and an easy escape into alpine beauty.
Bear Lake Trail
3.5 km
Discover stunning alpine scenery on an easy loop trail around picturesque Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Bear Lake Trailhead
3.8 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Bear Lake Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park, an outdoor haven for hiking and nature enthusiasts alike.
Lake Haiyaha
3.8 km
Discover Lake Haiyaha in Rocky Mountain National Park: A moderate hike to stunning alpine views and unique turquoise waters.
Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead
4.2 km
Explore Rocky Mountain National Park's stunning trails from Glacier Gorge Junction, a hiker's paradise with alpine lakes and waterfalls.
Fern Lake Trailhead
4.4 km
Hike to a serene alpine lake through diverse landscapes in Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park, Colorado.
Lake Haiyaha To Mills/Loch Jct Trl
4.5 km
Discover the turquoise waters and rugged beauty of Lake Haiyaha in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.
Alberta Falls
4.9 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.
Hollowell Park
6.1 km
Find serenity at Hollowell Park in Rocky Mountain National Park, with stunning views, picnic spots, and easy hiking trails.
Lake Of Glass
6.2 km
Hike to Lake of Glass in Rocky Mountain National Park for stunning reflections and breathtaking mountain views.
Ute Trail
6.4 km
Hike the Ute Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park for panoramic views and a journey through alpine tundra with historical significance.
Sprague Lake
6.4 km
Enjoy an easy, scenic hike around Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, with stunning mountain views and accessible trails.
Upper Beaver Meadows Trailhead
6.7 km
Discover easy hiking, stunning views, and abundant wildlife at Upper Beaver Meadows Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park, near Estes Park.
Essential places to dine
Trailhead Restaurant
10.5 km
Discover the flavors of Colorado at Trailhead Restaurant—where eclectic cuisine meets stunning mountain views in Estes Park.
The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern
10.8 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.
Bird & Jim
11.6 km
Discover Bird & Jim: An exceptional dining experience featuring local American cuisine and stunning views in Estes Park.
Boss Burgers and Gyros
11.9 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
12.1 km
Experience mouthwatering barbecue at Smokin' Dave's BBQ in Estes Park - where smoky flavors meet stunning mountain views.
Twin Owls Steakhouse
12.5 km
Experience exceptional steaks and American cuisine at Twin Owls Steakhouse in Estes Park – where quality meets stunning mountain views.
Coffee on the Rocks
13.0 km
Discover Coffee on the Rocks in Estes Park – where quality brews meet breathtaking mountain views for an unforgettable experience.
Rivers Edge BBQ
13.2 km
Experience mouthwatering barbecue at Rivers Edge BBQ in Estes Park – where flavor meets nature's beauty.
Big Horn Restaurant
13.3 km
Experience family-friendly dining at Big Horn Restaurant in Estes Park with delicious American cuisine perfect for all tastes and budgets.
Sweet Basilico Cafe
13.5 km
Discover authentic Italian flavors amidst stunning mountain views at Sweet Basilico Cafe in Estes Park.
Twisted Griffin Irish Pub & Restaurant
13.5 km
Discover authentic Irish cuisine and warm hospitality at Twisted Griffin in Estes Park—your perfect dining destination in Colorado.
The View Restaurant
13.5 km
Discover exquisite American cuisine amidst breathtaking mountain views at The View Restaurant in Estes Park.
The Wild Rose Restaurant
13.6 km
Experience the best of American and European cuisine at The Wild Rose Restaurant in Estes Park—where unique flavors meet stunning mountain views.
The Grubsteak Restaurant
13.6 km
Discover The Grubsteak Restaurant in Estes Park – where exceptional steaks meet warm hospitality amidst stunning mountain views.
Bob & Tonys Pizza
13.7 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
Rocky Mountain Gateway
10.5 km
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The Village Store of Estes Park
11.7 km
Discover the charm of The Village Store in Estes Park, a perfect blend of clothing, gifts, and souvenirs for every traveler.
The Mad Moose
11.7 km
Explore The Mad Moose for top outdoor gear and unique souvenirs in Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Wild Horse Gift Shop
12.2 km
Explore the Wild Horse Gift Shop for unique souvenirs and local crafts in the heart of Estes Park, Colorado.
The Trading Post of the Rockies
13.1 km
Explore a treasure trove of unique souvenirs and local crafts at The Trading Post of the Rockies in scenic Estes Park.
Lizzie's Boutique
13.2 km
Explore Lizzie's Boutique in Estes Park for unique gifts and local treasures that capture the essence of Colorado's natural beauty.
Trail Ridge Store
13.4 km
Explore unique gifts and local treasures at Trail Ridge Store, the charming gift shop in Estes Park, Colorado, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.
Omnibus
13.5 km
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Country West City East Gifts
13.6 km
Discover unique souvenirs and local artisan gifts at Country West City East Gifts in Estes Park, a charming destination for every traveler.
Over The Edge
13.6 km
Discover unique gifts and local treasures in Estes Park at Over The Edge, where Colorado's spirit comes alive through stunning artisan creations.
Cabin Fever of Estes Park Co
13.6 km
Explore Cabin Fever in Estes Park for unique handmade jewelry and artisan crafts that capture the essence of Colorado's rich cultural heritage.
Favorite Things
13.6 km
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The Whispering Wood
13.6 km
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Rocky Mountain Souvenirs
13.6 km
Discover unique gifts and apparel that embody the spirit of the Rockies at Rocky Mountain Souvenirs in Estes Park.
Estes Park Souvenirs
13.6 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Rock Cut Brewing Company
13.6 km
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Full Throttle Distillery & Grill Estes Park
13.6 km
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Lonigans Saloon Nightclub & Grill, An Irish Pub
13.7 km
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Wheel Bar
13.8 km
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The Whiskey Bar At The Cascades Restaurant
14.3 km
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217 Wine Bar
14.3 km
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Avant Garde Aleworks
14.8 km
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The Bull Pin - Elevated Entertainment
15.0 km
Experience fun and excitement at The Bull Pin in Estes Park, featuring bowling, billiards, and arcade games for all ages.
Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co.
15.0 km
Experience the best of Colorado's craft brewery scene at Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co., where unique flavors and stunning mountain views await.
Randi's Grill & Pub
46.9 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.
Gravity Haus Winter Park
47.3 km
Experience the perfect blend of luxury and adventure at Gravity Haus Winter Park, your gateway to the Rocky Mountains.
Pits & Stems
47.3 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Pits & Stems, Boulder’s premier cocktail bar known for its innovative drinks and welcoming ambiance.
West End Tavern
48.8 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
48.8 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
48.8 km
Discover The Bitter Bar, Boulder’s premier cocktail destination, offering unique drinks and a vibrant ambiance for a perfect night out.
