Bear Lake, Lake Helene, Odessa Lake, Fern Lake and Cub Lake are linked by a well-maintained trail network to form a 12.5 mile loop through Rocky Mountain's upper-montane and subalpine zones. Though grades are generally moderate, many up-down sections, rocky terrain and sun exposure through fire-stricken areas give this route a more difficult rating.

Lake Helene (10,643') is a relatively small, shallow lake with no major running inlet; it forms from snow melt captured on steep walls on the east side of the Continental Divide

Hallet Peak (12,713') reflects in Bear Lake at the beginning of the 5 Lake Loop

The descent from Lake Helene to Odessa Lake wraps around the steep north face of Joe Mills Mountain, which can hold snow well into summer and be difficult to cross

Odessa Lake originates from glacial remnants in the Tourmaline Gorge (center top), which extends east from the Continental Divide between Knobtop and Gabletop

Lake Helene's outlet joins Fern Creek just below Gracie Falls above Odessa Lake

Fern Creek originates from steep slopes under Flattop Mountain and flows through the Tourmaline Gorge into Odessa Lake and onto Fern

Fern Lake is catch and release only, and Greenback Cutthroat Trout must be returned immediately to the water unharmed

Native Greenback cutthroat trout can be identified by their red coloring as opposed to non-native Brook trout who lack the red coloring

Fern Falls, fed by the headwaters of Fern Lake provide a refreshing mist during the summer

Notchtop Mountain's distinct 12,129' summit stands prominently over Lake Helene

Despite aesthetic losses, recovery is underway as aspen, flowers and grasses have taken root in replenished soils

Aspen clonal colonies turn color at different times, providing a way to tell each group apart

The Cub Lake basin has been devastated by pervasive beetle kill and recent fire - compare this photo taken in 2010 to the following in 2017

Aspen groves are the largest living single organism in the world, connected by extensive root systems