Create an account

Start your adventure today.

    0

    Already a member? Login

    Bierstadt Lake Trail

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Very Easy
    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.
    1.5-2h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    5.1 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.
    191 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Be the first to add a review!
    Directions to Trailhead

    The Bierstadt Lake Hike is a short and scenic family friendly nature walk in the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). Ascend several well-maintained switchbacks up the ridge to the crystalline alpine lake. Sitting in the foreground of the Front Range Peaks, the scenery along Bierstadt Lake’s shore is truly magical.

    Download the 10Adventures App

    View Bierstadt Lake Trail on Map

    View Map

    Join our newsletter

    Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

    Route Description for Bierstadt Lake Trail

    The Bierstadt Lake Trail is a steep, but scenic adventure in the Bear Lake area. This excursion is short; thus, it is the ideal spontaneous afternoon walk in the RMNP. Though the elevation gain is significant along this quick hike, there are several sets of switchbacks through the towering pine and aspen groves to make it easily manageable. Located at a high altitude, even autumn hikes often see snow, so consider microspikes in the fall and snowshoes in the winter to aid in your navigation of the icy and snowy terrain. The Bierstadt Lake Trail is located within the bounds of the RMNP; therefore, visitors are required to purchase a park pass.

    Begin your adventure up the Bierstadt Lake Trail from the trailhead off the Bear Lake Road. From here, the Bierstadt Moraine Trail tracks north through the mixed forest. Navigate the winding path through the mixed woodlands and enjoy the mountainous scenery peeking through the trees. Ascend the switchbacks and at the fork, you can choose to complete the perimeter hike from either direction, but we prefer to go clockwise. From this junction, veer left taking the Trail Around the Lake and enjoy the various perspectives of the encompassing mountains as you hike.

    Travel around the perimeter of the charming alpine lake and when you return to the intersection, retrace your steps down the Bierstadt Moraine Trail back to the trailhead.

    Getting to the Bierstadt Lake Trail Trailhead

    The Bierstadt Lake Trail is located off Bear Lake Road in the Rocky Mountain National Park.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      No

    • When to do

      June-October

    • Pets allowed

      No

    • Family friendly

      Yes

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      High

    • Route Type

      Lollipop

    Bierstadt Lake Trail Elevation Graph

    Weather Forecast

    Check Area Weather

    Bierstadt Lake Trail Reviews

    Add a comment

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    Nearby Trails

    Nearby Regions

    Get travel inspiration and discounts

    Join our weekly travel newsletter