Bear Lake via Horn Fork Trail

The Bear Lake via Horn Fork Trail is a must-add to your Colorado hiking itinerary. A welcomed diversion from the area’s quintessential summit ascents, this trek provides a unique perspective of the dramatic, vaulted peaks. Note that you will be traveling to an exposed mountain cirque, so keep an eye on the skies for storms! Additionally, when wandering this path in the fall and winter months, be sure to tack on some microspikes! If you want to transform this epic day hike into an awesome overnight backpacking expedition, then there are plenty of quaint dispersed campsites below the treeline.

Embark on your adventure along the Bear Lake via Horn Fork Trail from the Horn Fork Basin Trailhead. From here, track west through the woodlands and along the curves of North Cottonwood Creek. Eventually, you will encounter an intersection and turn right to hike northwest above the timberline. You will again meet another junction, keep left and keep an eye out for moose as you trek through the meadowlands. As you wander, you will be rewarded with impressive sights of the looming peaks as you near the lake.

Soon you will reach the shores of Bear Lake. Dip your tired feet in the chilly alpine waters and revel in its clarity and blue hue. Appreciate the grandeur of the bounding snow-capped peaks, and when you are ready, backtrack along the path to the trailhead.