Bear Lake Area
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
About This Activity
Bear Lake is the most popular trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park, and for good reason — an easy 0.8-mile loop circles the pristine alpine lake with mountain reflections. From here, trails branch to Dream Lake (2.2 mi RT), Emerald Lake (3.6 mi RT), and Nymph Lake (1.0 mi RT), each offering increasingly dramatic alpine scenery. The area is gorgeous year-round: wildflowers in summer, golden aspens in fall, and snowshoeing in winter. Important: A timed entry + Bear Lake Road reservation is required from late May through mid-October, 5 AM to 6 PM (book at recreation.gov). The Bear Lake shuttle runs from the Park & Ride lot during peak season. Arrive early — the parking lot fills by 7 AM in summer.
Compare with Alternatives
See how Bear Lake Area stacks up against other must-see activities nearby.
See This in an Itinerary
This activity appears in 3 of our curated itineraries.
Best 7 Days in Colorado — Fast Pace
Denver → Colorado Springs → Rocky Mountain National Park
Best 10 Days in Colorado — Fast Pace
Denver → Colorado Springs → Rocky Mountain National Park
Best 14 Days in Colorado — Fast Pace
Denver → Colorado Springs → Rocky Mountain National Park
More Activities in Rocky Mountain National Park
Trail Ridge Road
Drive the highest continuous paved highway in the US, crossing alpine tundra at over 12,000 feet with stunning panoramas
Hikes in the Rockies I
Tackle popular hiking trails in RMNP — from moderate forest walks to challenging routes toward Longs Peak
Hikes in the Rockies II
Explore quieter trails in RMNP's wild interior — Glacier Gorge, Fern Lake, and Cub Lake routes
The Stanley Hotel
Tour the historic Stanley Hotel in Estes Park — the inspiration for Stephen King's 'The Shining'
Estes Park
Stroll through the charming gateway town of Estes Park with its shops, restaurants, and elk wandering the streets
Rocky Mountains Wildlife Tour
Spot elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and marmots on a guided wildlife safari through RMNP's diverse ecosystems
Trail Ridge Road: App guided - half day
Spend a half-day driving Trail Ridge Road. With the help of your personalized App Guide, you can pick and choose what yo
Trail Ridge Road: App guided - full day
With a full day to explore, you can sightsee at a more leisurely pace and visit more of the sights highlighted in your A