Bear Lake Trailhead, Estes Park, CO
Estes Park, Colorado · 1.5 hours from Denver · Requires Park Pass
📍 Local Notes from a Regular Hiker
Good to know: This guide was put together using public information and visitor reports. I’ve hiked these trails dozens of times over the years, so the tips here come from personal experience. But always double-check with the park office before driving out—conditions change, especially after storms.
⚠️ Before You Go (Critical Info)
Timed Entry Permit Required: From late May to mid-October, you need a timed entry permit to access Bear Lake. Reserve at recreation.gov.
Park Pass: Requires either a $30 daily pass or annual pass ($80).
Altitude: At 9,400 ft. Start slow and stay hydrated to avoid altitude sickness.
Quick Park Details
📍 Getting There
Address: Bear Lake Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517
From Denver: I-25 North to US-34 West, through Rocky Mountain National Park entrance
Follow Bear Lake Road approximately 8 miles to the end
🕒 Access Hours
Trailhead: 24/7 (park access depends on permit/reservation)
Timed Entry: Required 9 AM – 2 PM for Bear Lake corridor (May-Oct)
Seasonal: Winter access may be limited due to snow. Check current conditions.
🚗 Parking
Lot size: ~150 spaces
Reality: Full by 7 AM in summer. Overflow fills quickly.
Tip: Arrive before 6 AM or use free park shuttle (May-Oct). No overnight parking.
🎟️ Fees & Permits
Daily Pass: $30 (per vehicle, 1-7 days)
Timed Entry: Separate reservation required (free with pass)
Annual Pass: $80 for Rocky Mountain National Park
Trail Guide (What I Actually Do)
Easy Bear Lake Loop (0.8 miles)
My take: The perfect introduction to the park. Flat, paved trail around the lake with stunning mountain reflections on calm mornings. Best at sunrise for Longs Peak reflection. Can get crowded by 9 AM.
Easy Emerald Lake Trail (3.6 miles round trip)
My take: Most popular hike in the park. Passes Nymph and Dream Lakes with incredible views. Moderately steep but well-maintained. Go early to avoid crowds. Best in late September when aspens turn gold.
Moderate Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge (9.5 miles round trip)
My take: Challenging but rewarding. Passes multiple lakes, waterfalls, and ends at spectacular Sky Pond. Requires scrambling near the waterfall. Only for experienced hikers. Start before dawn.
Local Trail Strategy (From Regular Use)
- Arrive before 6 AM to avoid shuttle lines and crowds
- Bring layers—weather changes rapidly at this elevation
- Water: No fill stations on trails—carry 2+ liters per person
What to Watch For
🦊 Wildlife
Elk: Common in meadows near trailhead (early/late day)
Moose: Occasionally seen in willow thickets
Birds: Steller’s jays, Clark’s nutcrackers, peregrine falcons
Bears: Black bears present—store food properly, never feed
🌸 Seasons
Spring: Snow melts slowly; trails open gradually (late May)
Summer: Peak crowds. Wildflowers peak July-August
Fall: Best time! Aspens turn gold late September
Winter: Snow-covered trails. Microspikes or snowshoes essential
Photos from Regular Visitors
Disclaimer: These are user-submitted photos used for illustrative purposes. Copyright belongs to the original photographers. Seasonal appearance may vary based on weather and time of year. Permit reservation is highly recommended.
Visitor Reviews & Public Feedback
Based on 5,700+ public reviews
“Absolutely incredible! It took us (two middle aged females) an hour to get from the trailhead to Emerald Lake and an hour back. There are four total lakes and each one is beautiful.”
— Rebecca Bodily
“Bathrooms are disgusting but trail was very nice and paved. navigating the trail during the day is easy because it’s paved and marked well. definitely still worth visiting!”
— Salman H
“Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park is absolutely stunning and a must-visit spot. The lake is surrounded by breathtaking mountain peaks and tall pine forests.”
— Iqbal Nathani
More Visitor Feedback
- Access: “Best with the free shuttle. Parking fills by 6:30 AM. Shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes in summer.”
- Timing: “Visit at sunrise for the best reflection and fewer crowds. Avoid weekend afternoons—very crowded.”
- Preparation: “Bring layers, sun protection, and more water than you think. Altitude affects everyone differently.”
Common Questions
Do I need a timed entry permit?
Yes, from late May to mid-October you need a timed entry permit for the Bear Lake corridor. Reserve at recreation.gov. Permits are released on the first day of the month for the following month.
Can I bring my dog?
No, pets are not allowed on trails or in park buildings. You can walk them in parking lots and on roads only. Pets may not be left unattended.
Is there cell service?
Very limited. Verizon has some service in parking lot but disappears on trails. AT&T and T-Mobile often have no service. Download maps and guides offline before visiting.
Are there facilities?
Restrooms and water available at the trailhead. No facilities on trails. No food or drinks allowed within certain lake areas (pack out all trash).
Is the trail accessible?
Bear Lake Loop is wheelchair accessible. Other trails are natural surface with rocks and roots. The shuttle is wheelchair accessible. Contact park for specific accessibility needs.
Can I camp overnight?
No camping at Bear Lake. Backcountry camping requires permits. Nearby campgrounds: Glacier Basin, Moraine Park, and Timber Creek (all require reservations).
Are drones allowed?
No, drones are prohibited in all National Parks, including Rocky Mountain National Park. Violators face fines.
What about wildlife safety?
Maintain 75 feet from wildlife. Never feed animals. Be bear aware—store food properly. If you encounter a moose, keep distance (they can be aggressive).
What about altitude sickness?
At 9,400 ft, many visitors experience symptoms. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, take it slow. If you have headaches, nausea, or dizziness, descend to lower elevation immediately.
Best time to visit?
Early September for fewer crowds and fall colors. June-July for wildflowers. Winter for snowscapes (but roads may close). Always check current conditions before visiting.
Map & Location Notes
Address: Bear Lake Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517
GPS Coordinates: 40.3137° N, 105.6425° W
Local tip: Follow Bear Lake Road to the very end (8 miles from park entrance). The trailhead is at the parking area. Use the free park shuttle if parking is full.
About This Guide
How we know what we know: This isn’t an official park page. It’s a directory entry based on public information, visitor reports, and regular visits. The details here come from National Park Service resources and our own field checks.
Our Commitment to Accuracy
- We update this guide quarterly
- We note when information changes
- We link to official sources first
- We welcome corrections from park staff
Important: Park conditions change. Always verify current information with the Rocky Mountain National Park website before visiting. We’re a directory site—park management is handled by the National Park Service.