Bear Lake Road to Fern Lake Hike

The Bear Lake Road to Fern Lake Trail is a stunning expedition. You know us, we love a good one-way hike because you are rewarded with fresh scenery every step of the way. Don’t forget to leave a car at the trail’s end, because the last thing you will want to do after a long day of hiking, is arrange for transportation. Wear layers on this hike because the diversity of terrain means diverse weather conditions. Situated within the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), visitors are required to purchase a park pass.

Begin your adventure along the Bear Lake Road to Fern Lake Trail from the Bierstadt Trailhead. From the trailhead, track the Bierstadt Moraine Trail north, up several sets of switchbacks. Hike up the path to the shores of Bierstadt Lake. Revel in the crystalline waters and the vistas of the mountainous wilderness. From the lake, take the Mill Creek Basin Trail which shortly merges into the Cub Lake – Mill Creek Basin Trail. Track this path all the way to Cub Lake. At this point, follow the Cub Lake Trail to The Pool.

Revel in the whirling cascades of The Pool and enjoy the ambiance of the running waters. From here, veer right and you will be diverted along the Fern Lake Trail, which curves along the banks of the Big Thompson River. Walk the forested path alongside the river all the way to the Fern Lake Trailhead, which marks your adventure’s end.