Bear Lake Trailhead
Bear Lake Trailhead
4.5
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This easy, half-mile hike will take you past beautiful alpine lakes and forests.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
394 reviews
Excellent
294
Very good
77
Average
15
Poor
6
Terrible
2
Steve5863
Avon, OH12 812 contributions
Oct 2019
Bear Lake Trailhead is the starting point for many of RMNP’s most popular hikes including the easy 0.5 mile (0.8k) loop around Bear Lake, the 3.6 mile (5.8k) roundtrip hike to Emerald Lake that also passes by Nymph and Dream Lakes, and the 2.0 mile (3.2k) roundtrip to the powerful Alberta Falls, passing through many aspen groves.
Other popular hikes from this trailhead include Bierstadt Lake (4.0 miles/6.4k roundtrip), Lake Haiyaha (4.4 miles/7.1k roundtrip), the long climb up Flattop Mountain (8.8 miles/14.2k roundtrip) and Fern Lake (9.7 miles/15.6k roundtrip).
The trailhead also has a booth with rangers to provide assistance and trail guides, pit toilets and a fair amount of parking; however, the trails are so popular, parking is often a challenge and one may find they need to park at the remote parking site about 3.0 miles (4.8k) away and be shuttled on a bus to the trailhead. If you would like to find parking at the trailhead and avoid the worst of the crowds arrive very early or later in the day, preferably midweek. I had no trouble finding parking midweek arriving once around 5pm and another time about 30 minutes after sunrise.
Other popular hikes from this trailhead include Bierstadt Lake (4.0 miles/6.4k roundtrip), Lake Haiyaha (4.4 miles/7.1k roundtrip), the long climb up Flattop Mountain (8.8 miles/14.2k roundtrip) and Fern Lake (9.7 miles/15.6k roundtrip).
The trailhead also has a booth with rangers to provide assistance and trail guides, pit toilets and a fair amount of parking; however, the trails are so popular, parking is often a challenge and one may find they need to park at the remote parking site about 3.0 miles (4.8k) away and be shuttled on a bus to the trailhead. If you would like to find parking at the trailhead and avoid the worst of the crowds arrive very early or later in the day, preferably midweek. I had no trouble finding parking midweek arriving once around 5pm and another time about 30 minutes after sunrise.
Written 29 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MelissaL0715
Tampa, FL912 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
If you’re looking to visit Bear Lake (RMNP) in the winter, we would highly recommend it. To actually get to Bear Lake, it’s only a short walk… Less than 5 minutes from the parking lot. There are many other trails you could take that take you two other lakes that were miles long, but we opted just to visit Bear Lake. It was frozen over and beautiful. We walked across the entire lake and enjoyed the beautiful views. Don’t miss it if you visit in the winter!
Written 15 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dale B
Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States41 contributions
Jul 2021
We parked at the Stop and Ride and took the shuttle which eliminated having to worry about whether there was parking available at the Bear Lake parking lot. Shuttles run frequently. Note: even though masks are required, not everyone wore them, so take that into consideration because there is no limitations on number of folks on the bus.
We thoroughly enjoyed this easy hike around this beautiful lake with striking views! Expect to share this trail with lots of other visitors.
We thoroughly enjoyed this easy hike around this beautiful lake with striking views! Expect to share this trail with lots of other visitors.
Written 12 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SongBird1278
204 contributions
Jul 2020
We started by viewing Bear Lake, which we thought was nice but didn't see why it was such a big deal. We then ended up hiking to Alberta Fall since it was less busy than the trail to all the lakes. From there we looked at the map the park ranger had given us and decided to loop around to Lake Haiyaha (which is the best) and Nymph and Dream lakes back to the trailhead as it didn't look long. I must say it was long - according to my Fitbit we hiked roughly 7.5 miles by the time we were done. What we thought might take an hour or so ended up being 3.5 hours. it was a bit steep at times, but not bad compared to some of the hikes we had done earlier in the week This trail was worth it! We saw so much: waterfalls, lakes, wide open views, gorges, etc. My husband said it was in the top 3 of his favorite hikes we have ever taken.
Written 7 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margaret H
Warrington, PA26 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We started the morning at Sprague Lake to watch the sunrise and fortunate enough to see a moose herd eating in the lake. Then we adventured to Bear Lake and hiked past Alberta Falls to Mills and Jewel Lakes. It’s a 6+ mile uphill hike with some rocky trails but worth the effort. We were also fortunate to see a herd of elk at the tip of a jewel Lake. The round trip hike took us about 3hr and we walk at a relatively brisk pace. The views are spectacular!
Written 25 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maggie E
Saint Louis, MO92 contributions
Jun 2020
Bear lake trailhead is your gateway to some of the best hikes in the park! You can take an easy walk around beautiful bear lake itself to get started! A super easy and accessible walk. We always parked at the Park & Ride. Took the shuttle up. This is your gateway to Nymph, Dream, and Emerald lakes which is NOT to be missed. You can also hike down to the Glacier Gorge area and directly onto the trail for Alberta Falls too!
Written 18 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George S
Miami Beach, FL1 619 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
This is the trailhead that you should choose if you are short on time at the Park. A lot of nice and interesting trails / sites radiate from this trailhead. Parking here gets filled up very early, so use the Park & Ride service take the free bus here.
Written 31 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adventurers11805
Charlotte, NC228 contributions
May 2022
Awesome short hike, recommend early morning visit either by car or shuttle bus. We saw some ladies hiking in flip flops - bad idea especially if you take trail to Victoria Falls. Walking stick was very helpful. Snow still on trail late May. It may not melt til late June. The views of snowy peaks and the lake were awesome😃
Written 28 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hilary
Rochester, MN44 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
My hike started at the Bear Lake Trailhead. From there, I hiked the Dream Lake - Lake Haiyaha Trail to Emerald Lake. The trails were really busy, especially near Bear Lake. The temps were in the mid to upper 20’s F. There was packed snow and ice on the trail. I rented micro spikes from a local mountain supply store. Well worth it. Spectacular hike!!
Written 23 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MyHumbleOpinion
Tulsa, OK361 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Enjoyed this nice walk that provides lots of good pictures in the late afternoon early evening. The flies biting were next level. Bring your spray even though it’s a quick walk around the lake.
Written 7 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are there a lot of butterflies on this trail? Can you go off trail to photograph them?
Written 23 August 2019
Do I need to arrive super early on a Tuesday morning also? I read a lot of reviews that talk about parking lots filling up quickly. Is that every day or just mostly on the weekends? (Going mid-August)
Written 15 August 2019
Hi, about how long does it take to hike from Bear Lake to Mills Lake and back?
Written 6 April 2018
Hi, what will the weather here be like at the end of March? Will it be open to visitors or do the roads get closed leading to Bear Lake? Do you think there will still be snow? Can you tell I live in Florida? :)
Written 30 January 2018
Hi. Is the hike around Bear Lake fairly easy for a family with two small kids ages 2 and 5? Is it paved? Thanks.
Written 30 January 2018
Hi. The Bear Lake Trail would be a wonderful place for the kids to hike. I don't believe it was paved, but it's very flat with plenty of opportunities for the best family pictures! Keep track of them of course, but let them explore. You'll love it. The Rocky Mountain Nat'l park has a twitter page I believe where you can keep track of the crown level. The parking lot fills up fast, and you may have to park in Estes Park Garage and take the free trolley. We did.
Written 1 February 2018
Starting at Bear Lake...is it one loop to Emerald and back, or is it an in and out trail?
Written 21 June 2017
illbecavalier
Manila, Philippines
How long does it usually take to finish this trail?
Written 12 June 2017
It's a half mile. Less than 30 min, if you stop to take pictures.
Written 15 August 2017
If you ride the shuttle bus from Estes Park do you still have to pay an entrance fee?
Written 12 May 2017
We entered the park and took the shuttle from the park and ride lot. Only paid the $20/car.
I would imagine you would still have to pay an entrance fee. No one gets into the park without passing through the entrance gates.
Written 15 August 2017
Rene
Rio Claro, SP
Hello! I'm planning a trip in the first week of may, what should I expect from the weather? Will the trails still icy? Temperatures? And is it crowded during week days during that time? Tks.
Written 28 February 2017
Springtime in the Rockies is highly unpredictable. In Colorado at that time of year, especially in the mountains, we never know if we'll get a summery day or get blasted by a blizzard until about 4 days out. Spring around here is when you really need to be prepared for all weather and conditions in terms of clothing and gear.
Even if the weather is nice, the trails will probably be muddy; at higher elevations, they will probably be ice-packed.
As far as crowds, you PROBABLY won't run into them so much during "mud season" because Trail Ridge Road will still be closed at that time. I usually expect April until mid-May to be the slowest time of year in general for Colorado tourist activities (with the exception being the Great Sand Dunes National Park - the weather is somewhat more predictable and pleasant during the spring in that part of the state).
Written 28 February 2017
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