Bear Lake - Mill Creek Trail

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From busy Bear Lake parking area, take the well worn Bear Lake Trail north, going counterclockwise around the lake. Very soon, at less than 1/4 of the way around the lake, take the Bear Lake Connector trail which branches off of Bear Lake Trail heading right (north). After hiking through a mixed aspen and fir forest, arrive at a 3-way junction. Turn right (northeast) here to begin the actual Bear Lake - Mill Creek Trail.

This trail descends the wide Mill Creek valley, initially at some distance from the creek itself. By the end of the trail, you'll be traveling directly beside the creek. The grades on this trail are gentle and you'll have shade most of the way. After passing two connector trails that lead to Bierstadt Lake, the downhill steepens until the trail's terminus at the idyllic Mill Creek Basin and its backcountry campsites.