AColorado Hike with a lot of bang for the buck. What we mean is that there is a lot to see on this .9 mile stretch of trail. Starting at Bear Lake, you’ll take in a total of three Colorado lakes, and pass a small waterfall near the top of the trail. If you are looking for a handicap accessible hike, the trail around Bear Lake may be the best handicap accessible trail in Colorado.

Tips: Get to the trailhead early. We say this for almost every hike near Denver, but the Bear Lake Parking area is probably the busiest in the park. If you can’t get there early, just take the shuttle from the lower parking area.

In this winter, this is a wonderland and a very accessible trail to snowshoe. You can rent snowshoes for a great price at The Colorado Mountain Shop in Estes Park.

We have seen a beautiful black bear in this area on one occasion. It just saw us and ambled away. As with any hike where there are a lot of wildlife, keep small children within sight at all times. On your way out, be sure to stop around Moraine Park and watch the Elk.