Last updated: January 14, 2026
Thing to Do
Bierstadt Lake
NPS Photo/JMarino
- Distance: 2 miles one-way
- Elevation Gain: 290 feet (from Bear Lake Trailhead)
- Trail Type: Out and Back
Enjoy scenic mountain views and views of an alpine lake at Bierstadt Lake. This is a wonderful hike year-round. During the winter season, expect the trail to be covered with snow and ice. Traction devices and/or snowshoes are advised.
This destination can be reached from many different trailheads within the Bear Lake Road Corridor. Many hikers prefer to start from Bear Lake Trailhead.
During the winter season, there is no shuttle operating in the park. There are no transit options to get you from one trailhead to the next. It is best to plan your route based on where you expect to park your vehicle.
Use a trail map and GPS to help navigate to Bierstadt Lake and pay attention to which trail you are traveling on. When the trail is covered with snow, it is easy to wander off trail in the wrong direction.
There are several trails that lead to Bierstadt Lake. Pay attention to where you are as you are leaving Bierstadt Lake. Know which trail you want to be on to return to your vehicle. There are trails that will take you back to Park & Ride, Bierstadt Lake Trailhead, Bear Lake Trailhead, and Hollowell Park.
Named after Albert Bierstadt, an artist who admired the lake in the 1870s. This lake sits atop a forested moraine, a ridge composed of material left behind thousands of years ago by receding glaciers. It is a shallow lake that holds melting snow and rainwater – no streams flow in or out. Be on the lookout for lily pads, amphibians, waterfowl, and mosquitos!
Enjoy fantastic views of the Continental Divide. If hiking up from Bierstadt Lake Trailhead, there are steep switchbacks. Take your time as you hike up and down the trail.
Help keep wildlife wild. Never approach or feed wildlife. Animals that learn people are a source of food can become aggressive or stop hunting or foraging on their own. Keep your distance - it's the law! You could be hurt or issued a fine.
Details
Duration
3-5 Hours
Activity
Hiking
Pets Allowed
No
Pets are prohibited on all hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Bierstadt Lake
Accessed from several trails within the Bear Lake Road Corridor, during the winter season Bierstadt Lake is a great destination for snowshoeing. Enjoy wintertime scenic views and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Many hikers prefer to start from Bear Lake Trailhead.
During the winter season, there is no shuttle operating in the park. There are no transit options to get you from one trailhead to the next. It is best to plan your route based on where you expect to park your vehicle.
Many hikers prefer to start from Bear Lake Trailhead.
During the winter season, there is no shuttle operating in the park. There are no transit options to get you from one trailhead to the next. It is best to plan your route based on where you expect to park your vehicle.
Reservations
No
Depending upon what time you enter the park, you might need a Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road Reservation. To learn more, visit the park's Timed Entry Permit Reservation webpage at https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/timed-entry-permit-system.htm
Accessibility Information
All trails that lead to Bierstadt Lake have uneven, dirt surfaces. During the winter, expect trails to be covered with snow and ice. The elevation gain ranges depending on which trail you are on. From Bear Lake, the elevation gain is 290 feet. The trail from Bierstadt Lake Trailhead or Park & Ride is very steep, with an elevation gain of approximately 782 feet.