9 Best Hikes in the Bear Lake Corridor, Rocky Mountain National Park (Maps and Tips)

The Bear Lake Corridor in Rocky Mountain National Park is packed with some of the park’s best hikes. Whether you’re looking for a quick walk to a peaceful lake or a longer trail with breathtaking mountain views, this area has something for everyone.

In this guide, I’ll cover the best hikes in the Bear Lake Corridor, so you know which trails are worth exploring during your visit.

The Bear Lake Corridor is one of the most visited areas in Rocky Mountain National Park, known for its easy access to some of the park’s best hikes and most scenic spots.

The corridor stretches from the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station to the Bear Lake Trailhead, covering 10.5 miles of paved road that winds through stunning mountain scenery.

This area is home to some of the park’s most iconic destinations, like Bear Lake, Glacier Gorge, and Sprague Lake!

Along the way, you’ll find a variety of trailheads, offering everything from short, easy walks to more challenging hikes with panoramic views of the Rockies.

The Bear Lake Corridor is easy to reach if you’re coming from Estes Park, Colorado.

From downtown Estes Park, head west on U.S. Highway 36 for about five miles until you reach the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station of Rocky Mountain National Park. This entrance is the closest gateway to the Bear Lake Corridor.

Once you pass through the entrance, you’ll be on Bear Lake Road, which runs the length of the corridor.

PRO TIP: If you’re visiting during the busy season (late spring through early fall), keep in mind that traffic can get heavy, especially later in the morning. Parking fills up quickly, so it’s a good idea to arrive early or take the park shuttle if you’re planning to hike.

Bear Lake Road runs the entire length of the Bear Lake Corridor, spanning 10.5 miles from start to finish.

Without making any stops, the drive typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes. However, during peak times—especially in the summer or on weekends—it can take longer due to increased traffic, shuttle bus stops, and the occasional wildlife sighting.

Bear Lake Road / Best Hikes in the Bear Lake Corridor

Parking along Bear Lake Road can be a challenge, especially during peak times in the summer and fall, when many visitors flock to the area’s popular trails.

To help with this, the National Park Service offers a convenient Park & Ride Transit Hub located near Glacier Basin Campground, just off Bear Lake Road. This parking lot is an ideal spot to leave your car and hop on one of the free shuttle buses that service the Bear Lake Corridor.

There are two main shuttle routes in this area:

• Bear Lake Shuttle – This shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes, starting at 6:30 a.m. It stops at key points like Bierstadt Lake Trailhead, Glacier Gorge Trailhead, and Bear Lake. The last bus leaves Bear Lake at around 7:30 p.m., so make sure to plan your return accordingly.
• Moraine Park Shuttle – This route covers other key areas like Sprague Lake and Fern Lake, but runs less frequently, about every 30 minutes. It operates from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

PRO TIP: Using the shuttle can save you the frustration of trying to find a parking spot at busy trailheads, as parking at Bear Lake and Glacier Gorge often fills up by early morning. The shuttles also help reduce traffic congestion and minimize the environmental impact.

GOOD TO KNOW: For those arriving from Estes Park, there’s also the Hiker Shuttle which connects the town’s Visitor Center to the Park & Ride.

To access Rocky Mountain National Park and Bear Lake Road, you’ll need a valid park pass. Options include:

• Daily Pass: $35 per vehicle (valid for one day)
• Weekly Pass: $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
• Annual Pass: $70 for unlimited visits for one year (America the Beautiful Pass)

During the peak season (May-October), Rocky Mountain National Park requires a timed-entry permit for Bear Lake Road between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. You’ll need to reserve a time slot in advance through the Recreation.gov website.

GOOD TO KNOW: There are two main options for entry:

• Bear Lake Corridor Permit – Includes Bear Lake Road and the rest of the park.
• Park Access, No Bear Lake Road Permit – Allows access to the rest of the park but excludes Bear Lake Road.

Permits are released in two phases: one month in advance, and a limited number are available at 5 p.m. the day before. It’s highly recommended to book your permit as early as possible during peak months.

The Bear Lake Corridor Map, Rocky Mountain National Park / Photo Credit: NPS

Moraine Park is one of the first areas you’ll encounter as you enter the Bear Lake Corridor.

This vast meadow, surrounded by towering peaks, offers plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, especially elk, and one of the most delightful hikes is the Moraine Park Loop Trail.

Moraine Park Loop Trail / Best Hikes in the Bear Lake Corridor

Trail Stats:

• Trailhead: Moraine Park Discovery Center
• Distance: 4.6 miles (loop)
• Elevation Gain: Minimal (about 120 feet)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Average Time: 2.5 hours

This loop trail is perfect for families and hikers of all levels. It offers a gentle walk through picturesque open meadows with stunning views of the mountains.

As you hike, you’ll follow the Big Thompson River that meanders through Moraine Park.

Along the trail, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, including the iconic Longs Peak, which towers at over 14,000 feet.

GOOD TO KNOW: During the fall, this area is particularly popular for elk watching, as large herds gather in the meadows during the annual elk rut.

Two other great hikes in the Moraine Park Area of the Bear Lake Corridor are Cub Lake Trail and The Pool Trail and combining the two into a loop is a great idea!

Trail Stats: 

• Trailhead: Cub Lake Trailhead
• Distance: 6.2 miles (loop combining both Cub Lake and The Pool)
• Elevation Gain: 540 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Average Time: 4-5 hours

Starting at the Cub Lake Trailhead, you’ll first follow the same route as the Cub Lake Trail through the wetlands and meadows of Moraine Park, surrounded by stunning views of the nearby peaks.

After reaching Cub Lake, with its serene setting and lily-covered water, the trail continues through forested areas and rolling terrain.

Cub Lake Trail / Best Hikes in the Bear Lake Corridor

Cub Lake Trail / Best Hikes in the Bear Lake Corridor

From here, you’ll connect to The Pool, which is a beautiful spot where the Big Thompson River and Fern Creek meet. This is a beautiful spot with water cascading through boulders.

The entire loop is moderate in difficulty, with manageable elevation gain, and can be completed in 4-5 hours depending on your pace. Along the way, you may encounter elk, deer, or even a moose, especially near the wetlands and meadows.

This combo hike provides a fantastic way to experience two of Moraine Park’s best features in one adventure!

The Fern Lake Trail is another popular route in the Moraine Park area in the Bear Lake Corridor. It will take you through a variety of ecosystems with great scenery!

GOOD TO KNOW: While the official end of this trail is Fern Lake, you can extend your hike if you’re feeling up for more adventure. By continuing another 1.1 miles, you’ll reach Odessa Lake, a secluded alpine lake surrounded by dramatic cliffs. This extension adds more elevation and rugged terrain, but the views of Notchtop Mountain and the peaceful setting of Odessa Lake make it well worth the extra effort.

Trail Stats: 

• Trailhead: Fern Lake Trailhead
• Distance: 7.6 miles (round trip to Fern Lake), 9.8 miles (round trip, extended to Odessa Lake)
• Elevation Gain: 1,375 Fern Lake, 1,865 feet total to Odessa Lake
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Average Time: 4-5 hours (to Fern Lake), 6-7 hours (to Odessa Lake)

At 1.7 miles (245 feet elevation gain) you will reach The Pool. It is where Fern Creek meets the Big Thompson River in a narrow gorge. The fast-moving water flows between large boulders, creating a small cascade.

It’s a great place for a rest because the shaded area offers relief on warmer days.

After another 0.8 miles, you’ll reach Fern Falls, a 60-foot waterfall that’s especially active in the spring when snowmelt causes more water to rush over the rocks.

Fern Falls / Best Hikes in the Bear Lake Corridor

The trail becomes steeper in this section, climbing through thick forest, which provides cooler temperatures and more shade.

At 3.8 miles you will reach Fern Lake (1,375 feet elevation gain). It’s a quiet alpine lake surrounded by steep, rocky cliffs.

Fern Lake / Best Hikes in the Bear Lake Corridor

The area around the lake is tranquil, with a mix of pine trees and open rock. On a calm day, the water acts like a mirror, reflecting the surrounding peaks, including a glimpse of the Continental Divide in the distance.

This is a good place for a picnic or a longer rest before deciding if you want to continue to Odessa Lake.

If you’re up for a little more of a challenge, the extension to Odessa Lake is worth it. The trail continues uphill from Fern Lake, getting a bit rougher and less maintained as you head deeper into the backcountry.

Odessa Lake / Best Hikes in the Bear Lake Corridor in Rocky Mountain National Park

Odessa Lake is a beautiful, secluded spot at the base of Notchtop Mountain. The views are more dramatic here, with steep, rugged cliffs surrounding the lake. It’s also much quieter, as fewer people make it this far.

Sprague Lake Trail is one of the most accessible and scenic trails along Bear Lake Road. It’s an easy, 0.8-mile loop with a minimal elevation gain of about 10 feet, making it perfect for families, casual hikers, or those looking for a peaceful walk with beautiful mountain views.

Trail Stats: 

• Trailhead: Sprague Lake Trailhead
• Distance: 0.8 miles (loop)
• Elevation Gain: Approximately 10 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Average Time: 30 minutes

Sprague Lake / Best Hikes in the Bear Lake Corridor, Rocky Mountian National Park 

Sprague Lake / Best Hikes in the Bear Lake Corridor, Rocky Mountian National Park 

This trail loops around the lake, offering plenty of benches to sit and take in the breathtaking reflections of peaks like Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain on the lake’s surface.

Sprague Lake is especially popular during sunrise, when the sky glows with peach and golden tones that reflect in the water, creating a picturesque scene.

Bierstadt Lake is a peaceful, scenic spot tucked away in Rocky Mountain National Park, offering amazing views of the mountains. The trail to the lake from the Bear Lake Trailhead takes you through forests and open meadows, and when you arrive, you’ll find a quiet lake perfect for relaxing or taking in the scenery.

Trail Stats: 

• Trailhead: Bear Lake Trailhead
• Distance: 1.6 miles (from Bear Lake Trailhead to Bierstadt Lake), 1.4 miles (from Bierstadt Lake to Bierstadt Lake Trailhead). Total 3 miles.
• Elevation Gain: 255 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Average Time: 2-3 hours for the entire loop

Starting at the Bear Lake Trailhead, this hike offers a gentle ascent over 1.6 miles to Bierstadt Lake.

The trail takes you through pine forests, opening up occasionally for stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

As you reach Bierstadt Lake, you’ll be rewarded with a peaceful setting and clear views of Longs Peak and other nearby peaks reflected in the lake’s calm waters.

Bierstadt Lake / Best Hikes in the Bear Lake Corridor

After enjoying the beauty of Bierstadt Lake, you will continue downhill for 1.4 miles to the Bierstadt Lake Trailhead. This section is a more gradual descent, with plenty of panoramic mountain views.

Once at the trailhead, you can take advantage of the free park shuttle back to Bear Lake, avoiding the need to retrace your steps and making this a convenient and scenic loop hike.

The Bear Lake Loop is an easy, 0.6-mile loop trail that circles the picturesque Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Starting at the Bear Lake Trailhead, this short, family-friendly trail offers stunning views of mountain peaks like Hallett Peak and Longs Peak. It’s perfect for those looking for a leisurely walk with plenty of scenic spots along the way.

Trail Stats: 

• Trailhead: Bear Lake Trailhead
• Distance: 0.6 miles (loop)
• Elevation Gain: Minimal (about 20 feet)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Average Time: 30 minutes

Bear Lake / Best Hikes in the Bear Lake Corridor

Bear Lake / Best Hikes in the Bear Lake Corridor

The Bear Lake Loop is ideal for visitors of all ages and skill levels, providing multiple spots to rest and take in the stunning mountain reflections in the calm waters of Bear Lake. It’s also an excellent spot for sunrise and sunset photography.

The trail to Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, offering visitors a journey through some of the park’s most stunning alpine scenery.

Starting from the Bear Lake Trailhead, this trail is a moderate hike that leads to three beautiful lakes, each with its own unique character.

For more adventurous hikers, you can extend the hike to Lake Haiyaha, which offers more solitude and impressive panoramic views.

Trail Stats: 

• Trailhead: Bear Lake Trailhead
• Total Distance (to Emerald Lake): 3.6 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 605 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Average Time: 2-3 hours round trip

Nymph Lake is the first stop along the trail, known for its beautiful floating lily pads in the warmer months. It’s a small but peaceful lake surrounded by trees, with views of Hallett Peak in the distance.

Nymph Lake / Best Hikes in the Bear Lake Corridor

Next, the trail continues to Dream Lake and takes you higher into the mountains, with the landscape becoming more dramatic.

Dream Lake offers breathtaking reflections of surrounding peaks, including Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, making it a popular spot for photography.

Dream Lake / Best Hikes in the Bear Lake Corridor

Continuing up the trail, you’ll reach Emerald Lake, the crown jewel of this hike. Tucked beneath towering cliffs and surrounded by rugged peaks, the clear waters of Emerald Lake are a stunning sight, especially in the morning light.

Emerald Lake / Best Hikes in the Bear Lake Corridor 

For those looking to extend their hike, the trail continues beyond Dream Lake to Lake Haiyaha.

• Elevation Gain: 745 feet
• Total Distance (from Bear Lake to Lake Haiyaha and back): 4.2 miles

Lake Haiyaha is a bit more secluded than the other lakes, offering peaceful surroundings and a more rugged trail. The lake sits in a rocky basin and offers incredible views of the Continental Divide.

Haiyaha Lake / Best Hikes in the Bear Lake Corridor in Rocky Mountain National Park 

Haiyaha Lake / Best Hikes in the Bear Lake Corridor in Rocky Mountain National Park 

Alberta Falls is a beautiful and accessible waterfall making it a great destination for hikers of all levels.

Starting from the Bear Lake Trailhead, the hike to Alberta Falls is short but rewarding, offering stunning views of the rushing water and the surrounding landscape.

Trail Stats: 

• Trailhead: Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead (slightly shorter)
• Distance: 0.8 miles (one way)
• Elevation Gain: 160 feet
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Average Time: Approximately 30-45 minutes (one way)

Alberta Falls / Best Hikes in the Bear Corridor in RMNP

Alberta Falls / Best Hikes in the Bear Corridor in RMNP

The trail to Alberta Falls is well-maintained and offers a pleasant hike through a forested area, with plenty of wildflowers blooming in the spring and summer.

As you approach the falls, you’ll hear the sound of rushing water, which adds to the anticipation. When you reach the falls, you’ll be greeted by a stunning view of the water cascading over rocks, creating a beautiful scene that’s perfect for photos.

This hike is especially popular in the warmer months when the falls are at their most impressive, fueled by snowmelt.

The Loch is a beautiful alpine lake, perfect for a moderate hike. Starting from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, this trail is about 5.4 miles round trip and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

Trail Stats:

• Trailhead: Glacier Gorge Trailhead (or Bear Lake for a longer route)
• Distance: 5.4 miles (round trip)
• Elevation Gain: 1,056 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous
• Average Time to Complete: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes

The Loch Lake at Sunrise / Best Hikes in the Bear Lake Corridor 

The Loch Lake at Sunrise / Best Hikes in the Bear Lake Corridor 

As you hike toward The Loch, you’ll enjoy a variety of beautiful vistas and landscapes.

This trail is popular among photographers and day hikers alike, thanks to its accessibility and the peaceful atmosphere at the lake.

Unlike the more strenuous Sky Pond trail, The Loch offers a lovely alternative with spectacular views and a serene environment.

You can also take advantage of nearby attractions by adding stops at Dream Lake, or Lake Haiyaha for a more extended hiking experience.