Little Matterhorn Hike

The Little Matterhorn Trail is a challenging, but highly rewarding hike. Track through pine forestlands, past lakes, through the alpine tundra and up to the summit of the craggy peak. Reserved for intrepid spirits, this technical and primitive hike is reserved for experienced hikers. Ensure to check the weather forecast prior to your adventure to mitigate the chances of getting caught in inclement weather. Hiking shoes, microspikes and trekking poles are highly recommended. It is also worth noting that sections of the trail are difficult to follow, we recommend using the trail GPS to help navigate the tricky terrain. Don’t forget a park pass is required to utilize the network of trails.

Begin your journey along the Little Matterhorn Trail from the Bear Lake Trailhead. From here, track north along the Bierstadt Trail up a rocky ridge. Once you summit the ridge, you will encounter an intersection, veer left, and you will be diverted onto the Flattop Mountain Trail. At the next junction, stay right onto the Fern Lake Trail. Hike this path up to Two Rivers Lake and Lake Helene, where you will begin your ascent up Little Matterhorn. Trek northwest up the primitive route, carefully navigating the technical terrain up to the summit.

From the peak, you will be rewarded with uninterrupted vistas of the neighboring snow dusted Front Range summits. Revel in the alpine scenery and rest prior to beginning your descent. When you are ready, retrace your footing along the path back to the trailhead. Mind your footing as you descend the summit to avoid rolling an ankle!