- Hike Distance: 0.6 mile
- Denver Drive Time: 2hrs
- Difficulty:Easy
- Duration: 30min
- Activities: Picnicking, Snowshoeing, Hiking Trails
- Dogs: Prohibited in the Park
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Loop
- Seasons: Spring thru Fall
- Beauty: Sub-Alpine Lake, Mountain Views, Wildlife: Abert’s Squirrel, Elk, Bear
- Trail Maps: Click Here
- Temperature at Bear Lake Click Here
- Fee: Park Pass Required
Bear lake is the epicenter of Rocky Mountain National Park. This means that you can access a ton of trails from here, but it also means a lot of traffic. So, we always recommend getting there early, on weekdays, and on the off-season – if you can. The Bear Lake Trail is a short 0.6 mile loop around a beautiful lake with views of the Rocky Mountains. The hike is considered handicap accessible, however, the trail is not paved.
Tips:
- Check out the Disabled Travelers’ Companion Website for great info and pictures on more accessible trails in RMNP
- Check out our Handicap Accessible Hikes for more hikes as well
- This is a great place to take visiting family and friends because it’s not too difficult, and you have a lot of options if you want to explore the park
- Bring a Lunch – Getting this far into the park, even just driving, is quite a trip from the outside world. We suggest packing a lunch so that you can stay longer. And food just tastes better outside anyway.
