Bierstadt Lake Trail

Difficulty
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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
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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.

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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

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