Disclaimer: this is an opinion about our personal experience of this hike. Others may have a different opinion, and that is perfectly acceptable. Everyone has a right to their own opinion.
This particular hike we come back to time and again because of how beautiful the scenery is. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, this hike features so many amazing things, you can’t help but just be in awe the entire hike. 4 lakes. A couple waterfalls. A glacier. It’s one of our all time favorites and we hope you enjoy it as well if you choose to hike it!
Getting into RMNP
This year, you must reserve a time slot entry to get into RMNP, as well as have a pass to get into the park for the day. The pass can be a season pass, a day pass, the American the Beautiful Pass, etc. This has changed from prior years due to the Covid-19 outbreak. They do not offer these time slot entries at the gate so you much reserve them online in advance. To do that, you can CLICK HERE or log into recreation.gov, search for Rocky Mountain National Park, pick a date that has available time slots and pick your time! Once you pick your time, you have two hours to enter the park, so if you purchase the 8am entry, you have from 8am - 10am to enter the park. Once you are in the park, you can stay as long as you want. Be sure to take a screenshot of your confirmation on your phone, or print it out, as you will have to show it at the gate.
Where to park
Parking is all over the park once you get in, but watch for the road signs on what is full. If you can, we recommend parking at Bear Lake Lot - it’s the closest parking lot to the trail head. We say “if you can” because this lot fills up FAST. If it’s full, we recommend the park-and-ride lot. It’s easiest to find parking and you will have quick access to a shuttle bus that will take you up to Bear Lake and will have access to the same shuttles to take you back to your car when you are ready to head out.
The Elevation
This hike is a 5.1 mile out and back hike that has an elevation gain of ~1,100 feet. Keep in mind that you are starting at a very high elevation already at 9,449 ft above sea level. Entering the park, you will be at 7,860, and you will gain substantial elevation driving up to Bear Lake. Bring more water than you think you’ll need, snacks, and something with salt - your body might need it.
If you are coming from out of state, be sure to read about elevation sickness and the warning signs - it’s a very real thing and it’s not fun if you have it.
The Hike Itself
This hike is STUNNING. There are four lakes - five if you count Bear Lake - and they are so gorgeous. Our favorite one… it’s hard to pick! But if I had to, the lake at the base of the glacier is unreal and totally makes the hike. Be sure to look into the water as you walk by as you can some time see some fish swimming along.
We went in mid-June and there were still patches of snow on the hike. We did not have to use any gear other than our hiking boots, and saw some people in regular tennis shoes cross through the snow patches with no issues.
Rocky Mountain National Park is stunning and this hike showcases it to the nth degree. We absolutely love it and tend to hike this at least once a year. We give this hike a rare 5 out of 5 stars. Let us know what you think when you hike this as well!
