Bear Lake

The most popular alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, with a flat 0.8-kilometer loop trail and reflections of Hallett Peak and Longs Peak.

At an elevation of about 2,880 meters, Bear Lake is the park's most popular hiking hub, and many classic trails, including Dream Lake, Emerald Lake and Glacier Gorge, begin here. The loop trail around the lake is gentle and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to walk. In autumn, the aspens along the lakeshore turn golden. The parking lot fills up early in the morning during summer and fall, so it's best to take the free Bear Lake Road shuttle. Access to the Bear Lake Road corridor requires a separate timed-entry permit, which you can check on the NPS website.

Opening hours

All day

Alpine lakes · Hiking · Autumn colors

Nearby sights

• Dream Lake & Emerald Lake
• Alberta Falls
• Mills Lake
• Sky Pond
• Sprague Lake
• Longs Peak
• Moraine Park
• Sheep Lakes, Horseshoe Park

Places to eat nearby

• Rock Inn Mountain Tavern
• Bird & Jim
• Smokin' Dave's BBQ
• Nepal's Cafe
• The Egg of Estes

More in Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park