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Bierstadt Lake Trail

Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 3.8 (6)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Rocky Mountain National Park
  5. Bear Lake
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“A steadily ascending trail connecting the Bierstadt Lake trailhead to Bierstadt Lake. ”

Brian Smith
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Google Map
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Map Key

1.0

Miles

1.7

KM

Point to Point

9,443' 2,878 m

High

8,818' 2,688 m

Low

625' 191 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

32%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Given the popularity of this area, visitors are advised to utilize the FREE shuttle system, rather than driving.

Description

From the parking area at the Bierstadt Lake TH, follow the well-marked and well-traveled trail through a series of switchbacks as it ascends the southern aspect of the moraine. Enjoy the constantly changing scenery as you wander through mixed forest over glacially shaped topography.

The higher you climb, the better the views get! Eventually, you'll emerge at the top of the moraine and a junction with Bierstadt Lake Loop Trail. You can pick whether to turn left or right, but both options will lead you back to this very junction. The other option is to simply turn around and retrace your steps down the Bierstadt Lake Trail.

Flora & Fauna

Pine and aspen groves litter the side of this ancient glacial moraine. In autumn, look for the aspen to be showing off their best outfits!

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Rocky Mountain National Park

Shared By:

Brian Smith
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 6 votes

#19

in Bear Lake

#12927

Overall
  3.8 from 6 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
17%
3 Star
50%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#19

in Bear Lake

#1,140

in Colorado

#12,927

Overall
5 Views Last Month
447 Since Jan 14, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
0%
57%
14%
29%
0%
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Photos

Evening Fall Colors in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Nov 11, 2015 near Estes Park, CO
Great view coming down the trail. Sprague lake off to the left.
Jul 20, 2016 near Estes Park, CO
Bierstadt Lake Trail has some of the grandest views I've experienced in RMNP
Nov 13, 2018 near Estes Park, CO
Aspens in the valley
Sep 16, 2018 near Estes Park, CO
Climbing up to Bierstadt Lake, on the left you can just make out Sprague Lake.
Jan 30, 2020 near Estes Park, CO
View east from Bierstadt Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park
Jun 18, 2015 near Estes Park, CO

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 63 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Aug 26, 2022
Rosie Betenbaugh
12h 05m
Aug 26, 2022
Rosie Betenbaugh
1mi — 10h 40m
Apr 9, 2022
Diane Collier
Sep 11, 2021
Katie Stumpff
May 22, 2021
Donald Blake
1mi — 12h 30m
Jan 13, 2021
David Reyes
First hike in a national park! 1mi
Jun 8, 2020
Angelo Marasco
Mar 18, 2020
Daniel Edward
1mi — 0h 30m

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