We took the "hard way" up on this hike from the Bierstadt Lake Trailhead. Although longer, you can make this hike starting at Bear Lake and then finish at the Bierstadt Lake Trailhead and ride the shuttle back to Bear Lake. This way you avoid long climb up the switchbacks from the Bierstadt parking area and you would get to see some different terrain. As it happens we don't regret the route we took because the climb up provided some amazing views. Obviously you get this on the way down also, but since we had already seen them we booked it on the way down. My GPS tracked this hike at 2.88 miles and we completed it in just under two hours. I recommend taking the loop around the lake once at the top. You'll want to walk to the far (east) side of the lake for the best views anyway. The colors looking across towards Longs Peak and Sprague Lake in late September were spectacular. the higher up we went the more impressed we were. The view looking west across the lake itself was also amazing. We also made friends with a pair of Grey Jays next to the lake who kept following us through the trees.
Off the beaten path with beautiful mountain views from the lake and protected from the wind most of the wa, also went in summer and were surprised to see a moose in the lake, not usual on the east side of RMNP.
There are several trails up to Bierstadt Lake, we took the Bierstadt Lake trailhead in and went out down the eastern trail that ends at the main park-and-ride lot. The views from the trail are much like many of the other trails in the area, with broad mountain vistas all around, but where this trail shines is during the fall color change while you wind your way back and forth up the face of the mountain among the aspens. The lake is pretty, but is outshone by the other lakes in the area and the trail down the back to the park-n-ride is steep, rocky and mostly pines, but it is definitely worth the trip up the main trail in the fall.
My wife and I have hiked the trail to Bierstadt Lake from both trailheads. This is not an easy trail, the altitude can definitely get to you. We did it both times during the winter on our snoe-shoes. The trail is well marked, and the views are great....definitely recommend to anyone wanting to get away from the normal crowds.
This is beautiful and well worth the hike.The scenery is outstanding and the vistas are breathtaking. Hiking at above 7500 feet can be difficult for some people so make sure to acclimate yourself before hiking here.
A 1.3 mile walk to see a lake did not feel like a big deal. We manage to make the climb up almost 600 feet from the trail head with a lot of rest stops.So coming down, we thought it might be easier to go to Bear Lake via the forest.We did it. If we did it again we would start at Bear Lake for an easier decent to the Bierstatd Trail Head.
A great path for snowshoeing for the whole family! 18-24 inches of powder in late November. Beautiful views.
What a beautiful National Park lake! This is a great exercise destination from trail head or Bear Lake. In the summer, it is a lovely hiking or picnic location.
This is an easy hike for us, great views! Nice lake. Worth the time to hike it for sure. Take a lunch to enjoy by the lake. This was not heavily traveled which made for a very peaceful morning.
We hiked this trail during the last week of October - it was very windy and cold along the exposed portion of the trail but well worth the effort (13+ switchbacks) as Bierstadt Lake was incredibly beautiful with just an inch or two of snow on the forest trail around the lake at the time. The mountain views and elevated views of Sprague Lake are breath-taking. Warning - part of this is a shared trail with horses so watch your step.