Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
User RatingsBe the first to add a review!
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Directions to Trailhead
Bear Lake Road Hike
Table of contents
The Bear Lake Road Hike is a stunning mountain cirque adventure in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Trek past several crystalline lakes and over glacial streams. This excursion is one of a kind, easy to navigate, and one of the most scenic hikes in the park.
Route Description for Bear Lake Road Hike
Adventure through the various terrains that the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) offers. Hike through meadows, along rocky ridges, and through aspen groves as you traverse the Bear Lake Road Trail. Perfect for families and those acclimating to the high altitude of the area, this expedition is a crowd favorite. This path weaves between tree coverage and exposed trail, so ensure to wear layers as insurance against the varying conditions along the diverse trail. The parking lot at the trailhead can also be very busy, notably during the summer. You already must purchase a park permit to access the trail, so put that pass to use and take the RMNP free shuttle to the trailhead. Embark on your adventure around the Bear Lake Road Trail from the Glacial Gorge Trailhead. You can track either direction, but we recommend heading clockwise. From the trailhead, hike the Glacial Gorge Trail over Chaos Creek to an intersection. At the junction, veer left, keeping along the Glacial Gorge Trail. Trek the path over another creek and up to Alberta Falls. Revel in the grandeur of the cascades before merging back onto the route. At the next fork, keep right and the path will curve you around the base of the Glacial Knobs. Eventually, you will encounter another junction, here take the Haiyaha Cutoff Trail north. Ascend the path to Haiyaha Lake where the path merges with the Haiyaha Lake Trail. Hike the Haiyaha Lake Trail down to Dream Lake. Revel in the dumbfounding views of the lake with Hallett Peak standing in the background of alpine lake and snap a few photos. At this point, keep right and track down the Nymph Lake Trail to the basin. Maintain on the Nymph Lake Trail and trek past the lake and across the path to Bear Lake. From here, take the Connector Trail south to the Glacial Gorge intersection and veer left, heading back to the trailhead.Getting to the Bear Lake Road Hike Trailhead
The Bear Lake Road Hike departs from the Glacial Gorge Trailhead off Bear Lake Road.Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
No
When to do:
Year-round
Pets allowed:
No
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Lollipop
Bear Lake Road Hike Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
0.0
No reviews
Write a review
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!