Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park: 11 Things From our Experience

Bear Lake is located at 9,449 feet of elevation

It's a sizable 11 surface-acre alpine lake

To access Bear Lake, a daily fee (or park’s pass) is required

The lake sits about a half-mile from the parking lot at the end of Bear Lake Road, a dazzling little drive.

Visitors are greeted with staggering views of Hallett Peak (12,713 ft.) and Longs Peak (14,259 ft.) above metamorphic boulders and ponderosa pines.

Bear Lake is a breeding ground for greenback cutthroat throat

We spotted elk foraging near by

Campers can book overnight stays at campgrounds along Bear Lake Rd, or in dispersed backcountry sites throughout the national park’s wilderness.

Fishing is not permitted in Bear Lake.

Bear Lake is circumnavigated by a 0.8-mile loop trail

To protect the ecosystem, swimming is strictly prohibited in Bear Lake.

Here are lake hikes in RMNP we did during our month-long escape!