Bear Lake Nature Loop, Bear Lake Trailhead, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Bear Lake Nature Loop - 0.65 miles
Bear Lake Trailhead
| Round-Trip Length: | 0.65 miles |
| Start-End Elevation: | 9,475' - 9,475' (9,490' max elevation) |
| Elevation Change: | +57' total roundtrip elevation gain |
| Skill Level: | Easy |
| Dogs Allowed: | No |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
Bear Lake Nature Loop - 0.65 Miles Round-Trip
The Bear Lake Interpretive Nature Loop begins at the Bear Lake Trailhead, 8.9 miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Bear Lake Nature Loop is an ideal family destination for its accessibility, short length and ecological diversity.
The loop trail begins just beyond the Bear Lake Ranger Station and should be hiked counter-clockwise to coincide with an interpretive guide available at the trailhead for a dollar or so. The interpretive guide is the key to 30 marked spots along the trail which tell the story of the Bear Lake Area.
How is a glacier formed? What is that huge snow-capped peak to the east? When was this land last inhabited and by whom? Do black bears live at Bear Lake?
The interpretive guide answers these questions and many more. Purchase this brochure to enhance your experience on the Bear Lake Nature Loop.
Other family-friendly destinations from Bear Lake include:
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N40 18.716 W105 38.761 — Bear Lake Trailhead
Worth Noting
- Pets are not allowed on any trail in Rocky Mountain, including Bear Lake
- The Bear Lake Trailhead fills up very quickly so arrive early to avoid crowds and find parking
- Bear Lake can also be reached by the Bear Lake Shuttle which can be picked up in multiple places including Glacier Junction Trailhead. Call the park for updated shuttle information
- Rest rooms (pit toilets) are available at Bear Lake
Fishing Information
- Fishing is not permitted in Bear Lake.
Rules and Regulations
- A $20 Day Use Fee is required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park (or $30 for a 7 Day Pass).
- Dogs are not permitted on hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Fishing is not permitted in Bear Lake.
Directions to Trailhead
Bear Lake Trailhead is located 8.9 miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Just past the Beaver Meadows entrance station, turn left onto Bear Lake Road. The Bear Lake Trailhead is located at the end of this road. Additional parking and alternative access can be found at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. This will add an additional 1 mile roundtrip to the hike.
Contact Information
Rocky Mountain National Park
Visitor Information:
970.586.1206
Backcountry Office:
970.586.1242
Campground Reservations:
800.365.2267
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