Bear Lake Road to Fern Lake Hike

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
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.
3-4.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
12.6 km
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.
351 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Directions to Trailhead

The Bear Lake Road to Fern Lake Hike is an epic one-way adventure through the Rocky Mountain National Park. Adventure the various typographies that the Colorado wilderness has to offer. Hike past two alpine lakes and through dense alpine woodlands.

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Route Description for Bear Lake Road to Fern Lake Hike

The Bear Lake Road to Fern Lake Trail is a stunning expedition. You know us, we love a good one-way hike because you are rewarded with fresh scenery every step of the way. Don’t forget to leave a car at the trail’s end, because the last thing you will want to do after a long day of hiking, is arrange for transportation. Wear layers on this hike because the diversity of terrain means diverse weather conditions. Situated within the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), visitors are required to purchase a park pass.

Begin your adventure along the Bear Lake Road to Fern Lake Trail from the Bierstadt Trailhead. From the trailhead, track the Bierstadt Moraine Trail north, up several sets of switchbacks. Hike up the path to the shores of Bierstadt Lake. Revel in the crystalline waters and the vistas of the mountainous wilderness. From the lake, take the Mill Creek Basin Trail which shortly merges into the Cub Lake - Mill Creek Basin Trail. Track this path all the way to Cub Lake. At this point, follow the Cub Lake Trail to The Pool.

Revel in the whirling cascades of The Pool and enjoy the ambiance of the running waters. From here, veer right and you will be diverted along the Fern Lake Trail, which curves along the banks of the Big Thompson River. Walk the forested path alongside the river all the way to the Fern Lake Trailhead, which marks your adventure’s end.

Getting to the Bear Lake Road to Fern Lake Hike Trailhead

The Bear Lake Road to Fern Lake Hike departs from the Bierstadt Trailhead off the Bear Lake Road and finishes at the Fern Lake Trailhead.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    Designated Dispersed Campsites, view details here.

  • When to do

    April-November

  • Pets allowed

    No

  • Family friendly

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    One Way

Bear Lake Road to Fern Lake Hike Elevation Graph

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Bear Lake Road to Fern Lake Hike Reviews

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