We got here early in the day and had the lake pretty much to ourselves. It is gorgeous in the winter and you can drive right up to the main parking lot. Of course, there is lots of ice so bring something to give you traction and a hiking pole or two. The lake will be completely frozen over but you should have a great view of the surrounding mountains. We didn't make it completely around the lake but have in the past. Highly recommended but crowded in the summer peak hours.
We were in the area for only one afternoon in October. The colors of fall were fabulous! We didn't have a lot of time to hike and explore but I'm glad we did this short little walk to the lake. WOW! What a gorgeous view! Absolutely breathtaking! I'd love to go back one day and explore more of this amazing place! Just beautiful! Even in October, it was extremely crowded...and I certainly understand why!!
Short little hike from the trailhead, but that certainly doesn't mean that it underwhelming. Great view across the frozen lake towards the towering mountains. If you want to go a little further, Nymph Lake and Dream Lake are a little ways down the trail from Bear Lake.
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Rocky Mountain National Park has to be Bear Lake. An easy drive into the mountains with beautiful views all along the way. We have enjoyed the views in all seasons and it is alway breathtaking! If you are an early riser, you may even be lucky enough to see elk around the lake area- we saw them up close and personal in the fall! Winter is beautiful in the winter, but remember to dress for the cold mountain air!
We visited RMNP during Winter'14. Bear lake is our best place to be in RMNP. It has wonderful views. There are many trails that can get you here. Visiting it in Winter was a great experience for me and my family.We did snow shoeing to get to bear lake from Alberta falls and the views which we saw were unforgettable. We have heard from locals that RMNP is a good place to be during all seasons and we too agree after seeing its so beautiful even in snow. I wanted to write reviews on RMNP but did't found a direct place so i am reviewing the places we visited.
We hiked from Bear Lake to Nymph Lake and then almost to Dream Lake. Gorgeous views. The weather was windy so we turned back close to Dream Lake. It was quite busy but it didn't bother us at all. We were hiking with our 7 year old and he did great. What a wonderful place! We will be back.
I was unable to simply select Rocky Mountain National Park so I selected the name of one of the locations in the park we visited. We drive through most of the park that was accessible by vehicle. It is an amazing site feeling that at one with nature. We walked around the bear lake trail just to get the experience. We were neither prepared nor dressed for the experienced, but we simply could not pass it up. The snow started coming down while we were there just adding to the experience.
It's been a couple of years since we've been up to Bear Lake. The park has done some great improvements on the road (wider lanes and better guardrails) and the amount of restroom facilities on the way up to Bear Lake. Of course, it didn't stop some skier from peeing in the parking lot in front of us, but what do you expect for a place with this much tourist traffic? Parking has improved as well, although I think we went up on a slow weekend...almost no traffic in Estes Park or in RMNP itself.
This is one of the most popular stops in the park but in the winter it is possible to experience the frozen stillness of the lake as a sanctuary. The trail is snowy/icy in spots but with the right gear, very enjoyable. The peak views are awesome.
Having spent a couple of weeks in Estes Park, we had planned to go to see Bear Lake, having looked at the pictures on the net nothing, and I mean nothing will prepare you for these views. Driving to the Lake from Estes is stunning in itself to a very busy car park, once walking around though the people thinned out and it was simply stunning, coming from England we have some nice views but this is simply awe inspiring. I would recommend anyone going to this area to visit the Lakes, you won't regret it.