Bear Lake Wedding Site

Winter Site Only: No weddings permitted from the Friday before Memorial Day through the 2nd Monday in October. No weddings permitted on weekends.

Max Number in Party: 20

Number of Vehicles Allowed: 5

Visitation Levels: Heavy

Location: Bear Lake is located on the east side of the park, at the end of Bear Lake Road. It is about 11 miles from the Beaver Meadows Visitors Center or 9 miles from the intersection of Bear Lake Road and Highway 36.

Description: Bear Lake is the most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. A gentle 0.7-mile trail leads you around a small mountain lake, giving you several stunning views of the surrounding mountains while also giving you a taste of the lower end of Rocky’s subalpine zone. In the winter, it is common to see people walking on top of the lake itself.

Restrooms: Yes. Vault toilets with hand sanitizer dispensers available at the trailhead.

Special Site Restrictions: Do not block the trail for other visitors.

Mobility Impairment Accessibility: Since this is a winter site only, conditions can make it difficult for accessibility needs. Sections of the short trail from the parking lot to the lake can be steep and slippery. Foot traction is highly recommended.

 
View of large between large boulders with mountains.
One view from the Bear Lake Nature Trail.

NPS Photo / Ann Schonlau VIP

Mountains and fall foliage reflected in a lake.
Aspen trees and Hallett Peak in late fall.

NPS Photo / Nicole Stagg

Frozen winter lake with rippling clouds and mountains.
Sunrise in winter with Long's Peak in the background.

NPS Photo / Camille Horn

Frozen lake with snow covered mountains.
Sunrise in winter with a view of Hallett Peak.

NPS Photo / Camille Horn

Last updated: November 13, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1000 US Hwy 36
Estes Park, CO 80517

Phone:

970 586-1206
The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222.

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