We've been here showshoeing (brung your own or rent elsewhere), hiking to higher elevations, and easy-walking with young kids and seniors. It's arguably our favorite place in RMNP, go go as family, or to take visitors. There are posted maps, and rest rooms, but no vendors. Short distances, but only short ones, are wheelchair accessible. The trail around Bear Lake... More

WOW! is all I have to say! Even though covered in show, it was amazing. Went through the park - what was open of it - and saw deers and elks and great views. Can only recommend going! Eat in Estes Park before going, since not much to eat up there during winter. More

Take the shuttle buses! Easy hike around the lake, and the other trails head out to some of the most outstanding scenic areas of the Park. Very crowded in summer, so get there early in the day, or slide out for a evening stroll. More

Drive to the Bear Lake parking lot, or stop before you get there and take the shuttle--it isn't a long wait and you're sure to get a parking spot if you do. From Bear Lake there are hikes of all levels; check with the volunteers at the Visitors' Center, or the rangers who are almost always around the parking lot... More

Ok, backwoods is better, but if you came in your car and want to see your car later the same day, there are hikes for all abilities from Bear Lake. We love to go to Emerald Lake, summer or winter, for the walk and the beauty of the lakes ( you see 3). Flat Top is an easy way to... More

Beautiful area and easy hiking trails. You can hike the entire circumference of the lake and be within 100 feet of the parking lot. More

We really enjoyed our snowshoe hike around Bear Lake. There were some really pretty ice formations. My husbad was very leery about snow shoeing, but I talked him into it, and he loved it. He even thinks it was better than hiking, since he didn't get hot and there were no bugs to deal with. More

Bear Lake is at the end of the Bear Lake Road and is a pristine mountain lake with a wheel chair accessible trail around it (for summer use only). From there you can easily hike up to a string of three lakes: Nymph, Dream and Emerald. Each lake is about 200 feet elevation gain and about one half mile from... More

When I was younger, I went in the summer when the area was flooded with visitors. Myself and three other friends came here for spring break in March 2011. In March, the lake is still frozen and unrecognizable from the surrounding area. Walking completely across the solid lake, you'll find a small, partially frozen water. The trail is short and... More