Bear Lake

Category: Hiking area in Estes Park, Colorado

Address: Bear Lake Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517, USA

Phone: +19705861206

Opening hours

Sunday: Open 24 hours

Monday: Open 24 hours

Tuesday: Open 24 hours

Wednesday: Open 24 hours

Thursday: Open 24 hours

Friday: Open 24 hours

Saturday: Open 24 hours

Reviews

Charles Scheir

Aug 1, 2022

I thoroughly enjoyed hiking at Bear Lake. I hiked here two mornings in a row, both days getting up for the sunrise - and for parking. Be warned, as parking fills up VERY quickly - we arrived at 5:30 both days and the closest parking lot was nearly half full. The most recent hike was around Bear Lake to Dream Lake, about 2.4 miles. On the way we saw a huge elk just off the trail, and stopped to take some photos. I definitely recommend this hike for an easy hiking day in the National Park, or just for a beautiful sunrise.

Linh Thai

Jul 31, 2022

Beautiful lake!! Make sure to get your reservation on recreation.gov a day before your visit. Recommend to grab it right at 5pm when they open the timeslots, you will have more luck to grab early hours slots.

Michelle Lin

Jul 18, 2022

So beautiful — very easy hike and we strolled it, taking about 1.5 hr including lunch but it would be doable in 15-20min. Lots of wildlife and the rangers were very friendly, answering all our questions about trees! DO NOT FEED THE CHIPMUNKS. they need to be stricter about this, sad to see some children throwing snack foods and trash around.

Veronica

Dec 22, 2021

Always a beautiful hike! We went up to emerald lake. The paths were sanded all the way up which helped with traction. It was sunny and warm even on a windy day. This hike is pretty easy but always enjoyable.

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Questions & Answers

I couldnt get a timed entry permit. Would the road be open to drive through and find parking if i arrive around 4;30 am?

Bentley Ram | Jul 14, 2021
Siva Prasaad Kumar | Jul 15, 2021

Timed entry rules 1. Use Recreation.gov app to get a slot. Everyday at 5PM they open new slots for next day. They hold 20% passes off next day. So try to ensure you have best internet connection 2. Free entry to Rocky Mountain before 9AM or after 3PM for one car. Try to go there atleast by 8:15AM or 2:15 PM if not you won't make it 3.Free entry for Bare lakes is before 5AM or after 6PM.

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Now is it open? Do they charge entrance?

Mayra Gutierrez | Jul 14, 2021
Amanda | Jul 15, 2021

Yes, you have to purchase a timed entry pass on their website.

Is parking limited in the summers even on weekdays?

Chuck Carmone | Jun 9, 2020
L P | Jun 10, 2020

I am local, live within 45 min of the park. Summer weekends it is usually full by 6am. They class access to Bear Lake road once the park and ride lot fills about 830-9 am, then they allow cars in as cars leave. So if the road is closed try back a little later.

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Any fees to park here?

Rios Hikes | Jun 9, 2020
Vikalap Gupta | Jun 10, 2020

Free parking and free shuttle services. You do need to buy entrance fees for park overall/toll I think it was $25 for one day and discounted price for the week validity

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Is the road open up to the trailhead?

Denise “Nesie54” Vogel | Jun 10, 2019
Sidharth Jhawar | Jun 11, 2019

Yes.

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Do you need chains or anything to drive up to the parking lot?

Kevin Thoma | Jun 10, 2019
Jonathan Agresta | Jun 11, 2019

They keep the road pretty clear. We didn't have chains and were fine.

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