Bear Lake Hikes, Rocky Mountain National Park
Bear Lake! When we planned this hike, we didn’t realize how far the drive was from our rental and how the timed entry at RMNP would affect it. So, our first day (we were staying 5 min away from one of the entrance of the parkway), we spoke to the park attendant and were informed that because we were entering at that entrance, we could arrive at the park 1 hour earlier than our time entry so we could make it to the Bear Lake timed entry point on time. It is about 1h45 min drive and your timed entrance is for a two hour window, so we did not want to stress about driving quickly in the mountains.
We actually really enjoyed the drive and were able to stop at several view points including a couple bathroom breaks at the Alpine Visitor Center and the Continental Divide stop. The timed entry is for getting into the park or area, but you can stay as long as you want. The fee is only 2 dollars, but if you do not book a month or so ahead of time, you need to select your time the night prior at 7 pm (it’s good to get on the website right away as there is only a certain number of opened spots).
I am so glad our trip was the first week of June. The weather was amazing and while it was busy, it was not too crowded. We were able to have lunch by the lake, walk around the lake and take the hike that leads to 3 more lakes: worth it! The length of the hike is not long so it was very feasible for everyone, we were pretty adjusted to the altitude, so while we took breathing breaks, everyone felt well. The sights were beautiful and we were able to take pictures without other people in them. We loved all the snow!
We even encountered an elk which was grazing just 15 yards or so from the path. There was a waterfall and beautiful views along the way. Be prepared with water! I had a backpack full of water and some snacks. We learned from the beginning that staying hydrated was important with the altitude. I think we arrived around 1 pm which was within our 2 hour window, ate lunch and hiked and were back at our car around 4:30 or 5.
Each lake had its unique features probably due to the different altitudes. The nymph lake (on the left) had many lily pads across its surface.
The weather changes quickly and on the way back, we thought it would storm, but thankfully it did not. It is definitely faster to go down than up. It is a pretty easy hike, but it is a little strenuous at time with stairs going up. Snow was melting in areas which had us watching on steps, but all was well!
A bientôt!
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16 Comments
jodie filogomo
It cracks me up how you guys love the snow.
Xoxo
Jodie
mimifce
It is pretty funny: snow: let’s touch it, take pictures of it, stand in it…
Joanne
That looks like such a beautiful hike!! Definitely one I’ll have to my list to keep in mind for when we make it to that park.
mimifce
For sure!
Cat
That’s really gorgeous, thank you for sharing those beautiful pictures!
mimifce
It was a beautiful hike!
Jennifer
This hike is beautiful!
Jennifer
https://curatedbyjennifer.com
mimifce
It was definitely worth the drive!
Maria
Goodness, so pretty! You saw some amazing sites. RMNP is beautiful. I hope to make it back there somtime.
mimifce
It was a beautiful hike! I am so glad you were told about going up to the different lakes.
Amy Johnson
This post brought back memories: https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2015/07/our-colorado-adventure-day-two-rocky.html. I remember being there in 2015 before the park required timed entries. We were there in May and although it was in the 60’s and sunny at Bear Lake, by the time we got to one of the upper lakes we got caught in a snowstorm. I also remember our car being the only one in the parking lot when we got there, but by the time we returned the parking lot was full and people were searching for spots. I guess in the busy summer season they have shuttles, but they weren’t operating when we were there. Beautiful photos.
mimifce
That is wild, but it makes sense, the temps really varied at the different altitudes.
Leslie Susan Clingan
June snow!!! I love it. Those lakes are breathtaking. That clear, beautiful (cold??) water, those trees, the reflection of the sky. Gorgeous pictures. When I was a little girl, my parents would take us on family vacation to a ranch in the Rockies. My father was always excited when we would cross the Continental Divide. Everytime I see a sign for the Continental Divide, I get teary remembering his enthusiasm for travel and the beautiful mountains of Colorado.
mimifce
I did not put my hands in the water, but yes, I would assume the water is cold. At the last lake, young people were jumping in!
Pat
Wonderful! We live in the Littleton area of Colorado, so we visit RMNP often and stay at the YMCA of the Rockies which has fantastic lodges very close to the RMNP entrance. Sprague Lake is our favorite, as we’ve often seen moose and their calves in the lake in early morning in spring. Bear Lake has lovely views of Longs Peak and the snow lingers there long in spring as much off the trail is shaded.
mimifce
The owner of the airbnb recommended Sprague lake but we were limited on time. I posted some wild life pictures in my new post today.