Odessa Lake Hike

Route Description for Odessa Lake Hike

Escape the stressors of the real world and reconnect with yourself and nature as you venture the Odessa Lake Hike. This incredible picturesque excursion will recentre and invigorate your spirit as you trek though the towering snow-capped peaks and the fresh mountain air fills your lungs. This scenic adventure departs from a highly trafficked parking lot and trailhead, so we recommend hiking in the early morning to avoid the crowds and guarantee a parking spot. If you are worried about parking, use the Rocky Mountain National Park’s (RMNP) free shuttle to avoid the annoyance at the busy trailhead, and get the most out of the park's pass you have to purchase. Note this path travels through exposed mountain cirques so be mindful of afternoon storms that often encompass the craggy peaks.

You can probably already tell, but we love the Odessa Lake Hike. Though we get excited about most hikes, the Odessa Lake Trail passes through various typographies and reveals several different perspectives of the RMNP. Hike along one of the most picturesque and popular lakes in the park before ascending a rocky ridge into a forested valley and through an overwhelming mountain basin. This trail really does have it all: mountain views, alpine lakes, forested paths, streams, valleys… What more can you ask for from a Colorado hike? This hike is lengthy and demands some endurance, but there is a dispersed campsite at the halfway point for those who wish to make it a more enjoyable, multi-day experience. Whether you hike in one day or two, we can almost guarantee this trail will impress you.

Begin your journey along the Odessa Lake Trail from the Bear Lake Trailhead. From the trailhead, take the rightmost Bear Lake Trail. Hike along the eastern shores of Bear Lake until you confront an intersection. Here, veer right and you will be diverted up the Bierstadt Trail. Ascend the steep ridge, admiring the towering aspen trees, and at the junction, turn left. The Flattop Mountain Trail will guide you west to another fork. Keep right here and you will be rerouted onto the Fern Lake Trail. This route will curve you northwest below the tree shade of ponderosa pines.

Eventually the Fern Lake Trail will run parallel to Mill Creek. Hike alongside the creek and enjoy the meditative ambiance of the babbling waters. Keep right at the next intersection and you will soon pass the Sourdough Campsites, Marigold Pond and Two Rivers Lake. This is an ideal place to catch your breath and rehydrate before your final push to Odessa Lake. When you are ready, merge back onto the path and notice Lake Helene in the south at the junction. Keep right and maintain on the Fern Lake Trail.

Adventure the mountain cirque and appreciate the grandeur of the encompassing towering peaks. The Fern Lake Trail will guide you along the base of the Joe Mills Mountain. Trek along the rocky terrain that is almost entirely exposed. There is sparse tree coverage in the basin to use as coverage if a storm rolls in. Hike briefly around the base of the mountain before arriving at Odessa Lake. Nestled amongst snow-capped peaks, the vistas from the lake shore are truly memorable.

In the south, notice sights of the notable Flattop Mountain and Hallett Peak. In closer view, you will be surrounded by the peaks that encompass the basin. Notice Joe Mills Mountain in the east, Gabletop Mountain in the east and Little Matterhorn, Notchtop and Knobtop Mountains in the southwest. Little Matterhorn looks as though it's jutting out from the lake. The lake provides the most impressive vistas of this rocky peak. Explore the lake’s shoreline and hike the perimeter of the lake if you have some extra energy. Enjoy the shimmering, crystalline waters of Odessa Lake. If you have your camping gear, set up shop at one of the two backcountry sites near the lake.

When you are done exploring, retrace your steps back along the trail the way you came to return to the trailhead.

Trail Highlights

Little Matterhorn

The Little Matterhorn Mountain is the most prominent peak in sight from Odessa Lake. The rocky peak looks as though it's protruding from the lake Infront of you. Though not the grandest peak in the Rocky Mountain National Park, Little Matterhorn rewards hikers on several trails with its craggy sights. The Little Matterhorn sits at 3,531 m in elevation, ranking in about 234th place of Front Range Peaks. The lack of elevation is compensated by its unique geological composition. Sights of the pointy, craggy peak are worth the effort.

Insider Hints for Odessa Lake Hike

• Use the free shuttle to avoid the annoyance of trying to find parking at the busy trailhead
• If you are craving a longer hike, continue venturing the Fern Lake Trail to the namesake lake
• Pack plenty of water or a water filter, because the altitude and gradual grade of the trail will tire even the most experienced hikers
• Don’t forget, dogs are prohibited on this trail
• If you want a change of scenery on your way back to the trailhead, hike alongside the west side of the Bear Lake back to the parking lot