NPS 
NPS There is so much more to be found along the Bear Lake Road corridor beyond scenic Bear Lake. 
Planning to Visit the Bear Lake Road Corridor During Summer/Fall 2024?A Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road permit is required during certain times of the day. For all details and to make your reservation, visit Rocky's Timed Entry permit webpage. 
NPS Discover the Moraine Park AreaLocated along Bear Lake Road approximately 2 miles from the Bear Lake Road/Trail Ridge Road junction, Moraine Park offers scenic views of Longs Peak and the Continental Divide, as well as great wildlife viewing opportunities, especially for elk, during the spring and fall seasons. Moraine Park Discovery CenterAs you drive down Bear Lake Road, one of the first destinations you will see is the Moraine Park Discovery Center, located on the left side of Bear Lake Road and across from the intersection with Moraine Park Road. Moraine Park Campground and Fern Lake RoadThe turn for Moraine Park Road will take you to Moraine Park Campground as well as the trailhead for the Cub Lake and Fern Lake Trails. With 244 campsites, Moraine Park Campground is the largest campground inside Rocky Mountain National Park. It can accommodate tent and RV campers and offers great scenic views of Longs Peak, the Continental Divide, as well as and wildlife viewing opportunities in Moraine Park. During the summer season, the park's free Moraine Park Shuttle Route provides service to all key destinations in the Moraine Park Area. Planning to explore more areas along the Bear Lake Road corridor? Take the Moraine Park Shuttle to the Park & Ride Transit Hub and transfer to the Bear Lake Shuttle Route to access destinations higher up Bear Lake Road, including the Glacier Gorge Trailhead and Bear Lake itself. What Hiking Trails are Located in the Moraine Park Area?
NPS/Beach Park & Ride Parking Area and
|
| Hiking Destination |
Trailhead Location |
Starting Elevation |
Distance (Loop) |
| Sprague Lake Loop | Sprague Lake Trailhead | 8,701 ft (2,652 m) |
0.8 mi (1.3 km) |
NPS
Bierstadt Parking Area & Trailhead
Located on Bear Lake Road approximately 6.8 miles from the junction with Trail Ridge Road is the shuttle stop and trailhead for Bierstadt Lake. There is a small parking area and a vault toilet.
Bierstadt Lake is a popular hike in the summer and fall, featuring scenic mountain views and Aspen trees. Many hikers prefer to begin this hike at the Bear Lake Trailhead and hike downhill to the Bierstadt Lake Trailhead. This hike can be a loop hike by then boarding the park's shuttle and returning to either Park & Ride or the Bear Lake Parking Area.
When beginning this hike from the Bierstadt Lake Trailhead, the trail is steep uphill and offers incredible views of Aspen trees, Sprague Lake, and Longs Peak.
| Hiking Destination |
Trailhead Location |
Distance One-Way |
Starting Elevation |
Elevation Gain |
| Bierstadt Lake | Bierstadt Lake Trailhead |
1.5 mi (2.4 km) |
8,840 ft (2,694 m) |
500 ft (152 m) |
NPS
Glacier Gorge Trailhead
Many spectacular hikes to high elevation destinations begin at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Plan ahead and know that this is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Rocky Mountain National Park year-round.
The parking area typically fills early in the day. Most hikers will need to park their vehicle at Park & Ride and ride the park's shuttle to the Glacier Gorge Parking Area and Trailhead.
Glacier Gorge Trailhead is a gateway to popular destinations like Alberta Falls, Mills Lake, The Loch and more!
| Hiking Destination |
Trailhead Location |
Distance One-Way |
Starting Elevation |
Elevation Gain |
| Bear Lake | Glacier Gorge | 0.7 mi (1.1 km) |
9,175 ft (2,796 m) |
300 ft (91 m) |
| Alberta Falls | Glacier Gorge | 0.8 mi (1.2 km) |
9,175 ft (2,796 m) |
233 ft (71 m) |
| Lake Haiyaha | Glacier Gorge | 2.1 mi (3.4 km) |
9,175 ft (2,796 m) |
745 ft (227 m) |
| The Loch | Glacier Gorge | 3 mi (4.8 km) |
9,175 ft (2,796 m) |
1,046 ft (319 m) |
| Mills Lake | Glacier Gorge | 2.7 mi (4.3 km) |
9,175 ft (2,796 m) |
816 ft (249 m) |
| Timberline Falls | Glacier Gorge | 3.8 mi (6.1 km) |
9,175 ft (2,796 m) |
1,589 ft (484 m) |
| Jewel Lake | Glacier Gorge | 3 mi (4.8 km) |
9,175 ft (2,796 m) |
818 ft (249 m) |
| Black Lake | Glacier Gorge | 4.7 mi (7.6 km) |
9,175 ft (2,796 m) |
1,499 ft (457 m) |
| Sky Pond | Glacier Gorge | 4.2 mi (6.8 km) |
9,175 ft (2,796 m) |
1,726 ft (526 m) |
NPS/Schonlau
Bear Lake Parking Area & Trailhead
Bear Lake Road ends 9.2 miles from the junction with Trail Ridge Road at the Parking Area for Bear Lake. From the parking area, take a short walk on a marked path to reach Bear Lake itself. Bear Lake offers spectacular scenic views of Bear Lake, Hallett Peak and the surrounding mountain peaks.
Due to the popularity of this destination, Bear Lake Parking Area fills early in the day, often by 10 a.m each day. This is especially true 7-days a week during the summer, as well as on weekends and holidays throughout the year.
The Bear Lake Trailhead is a gateway to many popular high elevation hiking destinations in Rocky Mountain National Park, including the Bear Lake Loop, Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, Mills Lake, Odessa Lake, Flattop Mountain and more!
| Hiking Destination |
Trailhead Location |
Distance One-Way |
Starting Elevation |
Elevation Gain |
| Bear Lake Loop | Bear Lake | 0.6 mi (1 km) |
9,475 ft (2,970 m) |
71 ft (22 m) |
| Nymph Lake | Bear Lake | 0.5 mi (0.8 km) |
9,475 ft (2,970 m) |
231 ft (70 m) |
| Dream Lake | Bear Lake | 1.1 mi (1.8 km) |
9,475 ft (2,970 m) |
474 ft (144 m) |
| Emerald Lake | Bear Lake | 1.7 mi (2.7 km) |
9,475 ft (2,970 m) |
771 ft (235 m) |
| Fern Lake | Bear Lake | 5.0 mi (8 km) |
9,475 ft (2,970 m) |
1482 ft (451 m) |
| Lake Helene | Bear Lake | 2.9 mi (4.7 km) |
9,475 ft (2,970 m) |
1,340 ft (408 m) |
| Mills Lake | Bear Lake | 2.8 mi (4.5 km) |
9,475 ft (2,970 m) |
727 ft (222 m) |
| Jewel Lake | Bear Lake | 3.1 mi (4.9 km) |
9,475 ft (2,970 m) |
739 ft (225 m) |
| Bierstadt Lake | Bear Lake | 2 mi (3.2 km) |
9,475 ft (2,970 m) |
290 ft (88 m) |
| Odessa Lake | Bear Lake | 4.1 mi (6.6 km) |
9,475 ft (2,970 m) |
1,180 ft (360 m) |
| Flattop Mountain | Bear Lake | 4.2 mi (6.8 km) |
9,475 ft (2,970 m) |
2,866 ft (873 m) |
Tips for Visiting the Bear Lake Road Corridor: Plan Ahead and Be Flexible
Bear Lake Road is a very popular area of Rocky Mountain National Park year-round. When visiting, please plan ahead and try to be flexible. If parking is full or trails are too crowded, please consider visiting another area of the park and try to come back later in the day.
A visit to Rocky Mountain National Park can vary greatly depending on what time of year you are coming. There are different things you need to know when planning a trip to the park during the summer, fall, winter, and spring.
Are you planning a trip to Rocky anytime from late May to mid-September? For summer season trip planning information visit the park's webpage on Plan Your Summer Visit to Rocky.
Coming in September and October? Visit the park's webpage on Plan Your Fall Visit to Rocky.
Coming anytime from late October to late May? Be prepared for winter conditions and visit the park's webpage on Plan Your Winter and Springtime Visit to Rocky.
NPS
Shuttles & Public Transportation
Planning to visit multiple destinations along the Bear Lake Road Corridor? Trying to decide where to park and how to get from one point to another? The park's free shuttle service can help!
During the summer season, Rocky Mountain National Park offers free shuttle service along Bear Lake Road to help visitors get from parking areas to popular trailheads and other destinations found within the corridor. The park's shuttle are not in operation during the winter and spring seasons, from late October to late May.
There are two shuttle routes available: the Bear Lake Route and the Moraine Park Route. To see the shuttle map and for all shuttle route details, visit our Shuttle Bus and Public Transit webpage.
Remember - Your Safety is Your Responsibility!
No matter what time of year you are visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, it is always important to think about your safety.
Rocky Mountain National Park is a wilderness park! Take time to plan your trip and know what activities you plan to do during your trip. Before leaving your car, make sure you are ready for your adventure.
Don't know where to start? Check out our Safety webpage for helpful tips that are applicable year-round.
- Remember to check the weather before beginning your hike. The weather in the Rocky Mountains can change quickly and change as you go up in elevation.
- Did you pack the 10 essentials? Always carry a paper map and compass (and make sure you know how to use it), in addition to carrying a cell phone or GPS device.
- Do you have enough snacks and water? Do you have the right footwear for your trip? Do you have a jacket and other layers in case the weather changes?
- Know Your Limits and the limits of everyone in your group. If you are tired, not feeling well, or feel like you are pushing yourself or others, take time to rest and turn back. Many people who find themselves in unexpected search and rescue situations were pushed beyond their limits. It's ok to enjoy the journey and turn back before hitting your hiking goal.
Last updated: August 19, 2024