Bear Lake Loop
A short interpretive circuit around a subalpine lake beneath Hallett Peak and the Continental Divide.
Route overview
Bear Lake Loop in Front Range, Southern Rocky Mountains.
The Bear Lake Loop circles one of the park’s best-known subalpine lakes through spruce and fir forest. Frequent viewpoints make it suitable for a short orientation walk, but high elevation, ice, crowding and changing weather still require preparation.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Front Range, Southern Rocky Mountains
- Distance
- 0.8 miles / 1.3 km loop
- Typical duration
- 30–60 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Elevation gain
- Not published by official source
- Best season
- Year-round with seasonal snow and ice assessment
- Trail type
- Loop
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- Park entrance required; 2026 Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road may be required during regulated hours
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
High altitude, ice, wet stone, crowds, lightning and limited parking
Highlights
Rocky Mountain National Park, Bear Lake, easy loop, family hike, subalpine lake
Why find a buddy
An easy first meetup where partners can assess pace and altitude response.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.