National Park Service Rocky Mountain U.S. Department of the Interior Rocky Mountain National Park
Bear Lake Summer Trail Guide
Welcome to a wilderness of lakes, waterfalls, and magnificent peaks. Use this map and guide to plan a safe, enjoyable trip.
RIDE THE The Bear Lake area is very busy, especially in hassle of dealing with traffic and searching for Shuttle summer and on fall weekends. Parking often parking. fills by early morning. Roads are congested. Detailed schedules and maps are available The park’s free shuttle bus is here to help! You in the park newspaper, park visitor can ride the shuttle to stunning destinations centers, at park bus stops, and at and popular trailheads, all while avoiding the go.nps.gov/RockyShuttle.
Tips for a Never Feed or Approach Wildlife Bring the Right Gear Great Hike Keep yourself and Rocky’s wildlife safe: 33Bring waterproof outer layers and extra lay- • Obey wildlife closures. ers for warmth. • Keep a safe distance. If you cause an animal 33Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. to move or change behavior, you are too Sunlight can damage your eyes and skin, close! Approaching an animal puts you at even on cloudy days. risk and may cause it stress, leading to dis- 33Pack extra water and snacks. Don’t drink ease and illness. from streams or lakes without treating the • Never feed wildlife, including birds and water. chipmunks. 33Carry a map and compass or GPS. Know Pay Attention to Altitude how to use them. High elevations can cause altitude sickness 33Wear sturdy footwear with good ankle sup- and may aggravate existing health conditions. port and a treaded sole. Use caution. Take time to acclimatize to the park’s high altitude before attempting strenu- 33Don’t rely on cell phones. Many areas have ous hikes. Rest, drink lots of fluids, eat salty no service. snacks, and start with easy hikes. Stay Safe and Practice Good Etiquette • Pets are prohibited on all Rocky Even on cloudy days, ultraviolet radiation Mountain National Park trails, tun- can be intense at altitude. Protect yourself by dra, and meadows areas. There are pet- wearing a hat, sunglasses with UV protection, friendly hikes outside the park, and nearby and sunscreen. communities have boarding facilities and veterinary clinics. To learn more, visit Watch the Weather: It changes quickly! go.nps.gov/RockyPets. Thunderstorms are common in summer and • Stay together! Keep everyone, including are dangerous. Plan your day to be below children, with the group. treeline by early afternoon. If you see building storm clouds, head back to the trailhead. If • Stay on the trail. Shortcutting causes caught in a lightning storm, get below treeline. erosion. • In the Bear Lake Corridor, strollers are It might be summer, but expect snow, gusty allowed only on the nature trails around winds, and cold temperatures at any time. Sprague and Bear lakes. Always carry storm gear, even if the sky is clear when you start your hike. Carry layers of windproof clothing. If the weather turns, you’ll be glad to have them.
For More Park Information...... (970) 586-1206 or www.nps.gov/romo Information Trail Ridge Road Status...... (970) 586-1222 Emergencies ...... 911. Tell the dispatcher you are in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado BL-S 05-2017 Trail Ridge Road Upper Beaver Meado s to Alpine VC and Grand Lake, CO To B Estes Park Bear Lake Corridor Trails E S Moraine Park Beaver Meado s amp round isitor enter To Lake Helene To Bierstadt Lake . mi . mi . km . mi . km Fern Lake . km u Lake Bear Lake Moraine Park Fern Lake . mi rea Trails . km Discovery enter . mi . km . mi To Moraine Park . km To Flattop Mtn and Trail Ridge Rd . mi . km MORAINE PARK . mi . mi Bear Lake Loop The . mi . km . km . mi Pool . km . km . mi . mi . mi Bear Lake . km . km Bear Lake . km R 9475ft . mi Fern . mi 2888m Trailhead . km Steep Mountain L Spruce . mi . km Falls Cub Lake 5 Tu edo Park Lake . km 2 07 B