Cub Lake Trail

The Cub Lake Trail is a scenic expedition in the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). Though still incredibly trafficked, the Cub Lake Trail is seemingly more secluded than many other alpine lake hikes within the park. Revealing the diversity of the Colorado wilderness, the Cub Lake Trail’s culmination is jaw dropping. Nestled amongst looming snow-capped peaks, this lake provides expansive views of the quintessential mountain cirques in the RMNP. This trail climbs in altitude and along exposed terrain so ensure to check the forecast as to not get caught in an afternoon storm and wear plenty of layers! Additionally, because this path is located within the park, visitors are required to purchase a pass to utilize the trails.

Begin your adventure up the Cub Lake Trail from the trailhead off the Fern Lake Road. From here, track south along the Cub Lake Trail and over a footbridge, crossing the Big Thompson River. Continue trekking along the meadowed path until you reach an intersection. Here, stay right on the Cub Lake Trail, which will guide you past several pools of the Cub Creek and beneath tree shade. Ascend the increasingly exposed terrain to Cub Lake and the campsites. Enjoy the shimmering lake and the views it rewards. Notice Mount Wuh looming in the southwest, Stones Peak in the west, and Beaver Mountain in the north.

Revel in the scenery of the mountain cirque and continue hiking to the Old Forest Inn campsites. From here, veer right and you will be diverted onto the Fern Lake Trail. Head east through the forested valley along the banks of the Big Thompson River. Eventually you will meet the trail’s end. At this point, hike briefly along the shoulder of the Fern Lake Road back to the Cub Lake Trailhead.