Bear Lake Trailhead

Jeremy Davis

a month ago

There's amazing hikes that are accessible from here. A few are: - Bear Lake Loop - Alberta Falls - 3-Lakes: Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Highly recommending arriving early during peak season. I got here at 6:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. the following day and both days the parking lot was 50% full. By 7 a.m. the parking lot was full. There's restrooms located here and a park shuttle stop.

Robyn Nussbaum

2 months ago

Absolutely STUNNING! I’ve traveled all over Colorado and these trails offer some of the best views in the state. Pretty much anyone of any ability should be able to handle the stroll around Bear Lake. If you’re up for more adventure, I highly recommend the hike up to Emerald Lake. You will see three alpine lakes on this hike that have their own beauty and uniqueness starting with Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and ending with Emerald Lake. It’s a moderate, highly trafficked hike with lots of steps, but most who are in reasonable shape should be able to handle it. My teenager who claims to hate hiking actually enjoyed this hike because there are amazing views and creatures to see around every corner. We even ran into a fox!

KimB

3 months ago

The Bear Lake Corridor hike was one of the highlights of our trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. Even though it was very popular and there were plenty of people on the trail, we were still able to enjoy the stunning mountain scenery and feel immersed in nature. The landscapes are absolutely breathtaking, and each lake along the route has its own unique character and beauty. We completed the out-and-back hike that visits Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake. Our favorite was definitely Dream Lake—it was absolutely gorgeous and felt like something out of a postcard. The hike is about 3.5 miles round trip to see all four lakes. My daughter and I are fairly fast hikers, so it took us about 2 hours, but the rangers at the trailhead recommended allowing around 3 to 3.5 hours, which is probably a good estimate for most visitors, especially if you stop frequently for photos and sightseeing. Be prepared for some elevation gain and quite a few stairs. As visitors from the South, we definitely noticed the altitude and found ourselves breathing a little harder than usual. Thankfully, there are plenty of places along the trail to stop, rest, and take in the incredible views. Good hiking shoes are a must. Parts of the trail were wet and muddy from melting snow, and some sections were rocky and uneven. Parking at the Bear Lake Trailhead is limited and fills quickly. However, Rocky Mountain National Park offers convenient park-and-ride shuttle options from locations a few miles away. We were fortunate enough to find a parking spot at the trailhead, but I wouldn’t count on that during busy times. You also need to get a timed entry reservation during busy park times. We camped inside the park which allowed us to go at any time. If you’re visiting Rocky Mountain National Park and only have time for one hike, this would be near the top of my list. The variety of lakes, mountain views, forests, and alpine scenery packed into a relatively short hike make it an unforgettable experience.

Nick

5 months ago

I drove up here today and was honestly surprised by how smooth the whole trip was. Usually, finding a spot in a National Park can be a nightmare, but the parking here was totally fine, and having clean restrooms right at the trailhead is a massive plus. It just makes the whole experience way more relaxing when you don't have to worry about the basics. If you’re into hiking, this place is a gold mine. The trails around here are incredible—well-maintained, easy to follow, but still giving you those "big mountain" vibes at every turn. I spent a good chunk of time just wandering the loop, and the views of the peaks reflected in the water are actually insane. The water is so clear you can see every rock on the bottom, and with the leftover snow on the mountains right now, the contrast is just wild. What I love most is that it’s so accessible. You can just grab your keys, drive up, and you’re immediately on a world-class trail. It’s the perfect spot for a "low-stress, high-reward" day of hiking. Whether you just want a chill walk around the lake or you’re using it as a starting point to hit the higher lakes like Dream or Emerald, you can't really go wrong. Definitely my go-to spot now when I need a quick mountain fix without the usual hassle.

Paul and Lillian Bruns

5 months ago

We hiked bear lake, nymph lake, dream lake, and emerald lake from this trailhead in March. The lot is big and was not full during the off season, there are also bathrooms at the trailhead. Each lake was beautiful. Bear lake was an easy loop while the other 3 were an out and back trail. During our visit they were all frozen and trails were packed snow. Traction devices recommended.