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Bierstadt Lake Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.2 (39)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Rocky Mountain National Park
  5. Bear Lake
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“A classic RMNP loop featuring aspens, glacially sculpted landscapes and a beautiful alpine lake. ”

Brian Smith
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Map Key

3.1

Miles

4.9

KM

Lollipop

9,465' 2,885 m

High

8,818' 2,688 m

Low

667' 203 m

Up

676' 206 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

34%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly This loop is short and easy enough for families. The lakeshore makes a great picnic sopt!

Overview

This is a quick loop up to and around one of RMNP's most popular destinations: Bierstadt Lake. The somewhat steep ascent to the lake will keep some visitors away, but it's well worth the effort.

Need to Know

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.

Follow the mostly flat trail as it circumnavigates this stunningly beautiful lake. During autumn, the vibrant foliage of aspens preparing for winter will be reflected in the lake's still waters - a sight that's not to be missed! As you revel in the beauty around the lake, you'll pass multiple turn-offs for other destinations. If you want to extend your hike, consider spurring off on one of the trails. Make sure to consult the Hiking Project mobile app if considering this option.

For the purpose of this hike, stay on the Bierstadt Lake Loop. When you reach the point where you accessed the lake initially, retrace your steps down to the trailhead.

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

  4.2 from 39 votes

#7

in Bear Lake

#388

Overall
  4.2 from 39 votes
5 Star
41%
4 Star
36%
3 Star
23%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#7

in Bear Lake

#81

in Colorado

#388

Overall
12 Views Last Month
5,806 Since Jun 18, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
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79%
8%
8%
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Photos

Evening Fall Colors in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Nov 11, 2015 near Estes Park, CO
Bierstadt Lake RMNP
Jan 8, 2015 near Estes Park, CO
Great view coming down the trail. Sprague lake off to the left.
Jul 20, 2016 near Estes Park, CO
View of the Continental Divide from Bierstadt Lake
Apr 27, 2022 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
Beautiful view on a clear spring day.
Apr 5, 2018 near Estes Park, CO

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 80 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Mar 2, 2024
Holly Lawson
Dec 17, 2022
Caitlin Heckman
Aug 8, 2022
Katie Jajtner
Jun 30, 2022
Su Jin Kim
Jun 12, 2022
Rob Pressly
Jun 2, 2022
Damien Sutevski
went about 1/3rd way around lake 3.3mi — 1h 42m
May 10, 2022
Samantha Sheehy
Apr 9, 2022
Diane Collier

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