Bear Lake Road ends 9.2 miles from the junction with Trail Ridge Road at the Parking Area for Bear Lake. From the parking area, take a short walk on a marked path to reach Bear Lake itself. Bear Lake offers spectacular scenic views of Bear Lake, Hallett Peak and the surrounding mountain peaks.

Due to the popularity of this destination, Bear Lake Parking Area fills early in the day, often by 10 a.m each day. This is especially true 7-days a week during the summer, as well as on weekends and holidays throughout the year. During the summer season, Rocky Mountain National Park offers free shuttle service along Bear Lake Road to help visitors get from parking areas to popular trailheads and other destinations found within the corridor. The park's shuttle are not in operation during the winter and spring seasons, from late October to late May.

The Bear Lake Trailhead is a gateway to many popular high elevation hiking destinations in Rocky Mountain National Park, including the Bear Lake Loop, Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, Mills Lake, Odessa Lake, Flattop Mountain and more!

Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. From meadows found in the montane life zone to glistening alpine lakes and up to the towering mountain peaks, there is something for everyone to discover. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible wildlife viewing.

Bear Lake Loop - 0.6 mi