Bierstadt Lake Trail

Oct. 9, 2010



Bierstadt Lake Trail

 After the first snowfall in the mountains we couldn't wait to get up there and hike through it.  Unfortunately Trail Ridge Road was closed after a few miles into the park so we found a new trail at a slightly lower elevation.  There was still a dusting of snow and it was one of my favorite hikes.

We decided to park at the park and ride and take the shuttle to Bear Lake Trailhead.  We had already seen Bear Lake but we wanted to see it with snow on the mountain tops.  It was beautiful!

We started at Bear Lake Trailhead and headed to Bierstadt Lake.  From Bierstadt Lake we took the trail that led us right back to the park and ride.  I loved this trail because it was one way and we didn't have to make our way back the way we came and see the same things.  I really love the shuttle that runs through RMNP. 

The total hike was around 6.2 miles and I would classify this trail as easy-moderate.  The hike from Bear Lake to Bierstadt is somewhat steep but not too bad and only for the first mile.  After that the rest is easy to Bierstadt Lake.  Bierstadt Lake is small, and not really anything spectacular, so I am glad we didn't just hike to it and back.  Beyond Bierstadt Lake the trail heads to the park and ride and the trail is very steep, but it's straight down.  It's easier than up, but I underestimated the strain on the leg muscles going down that steep.  It was a nice hike though, and we really enjoyed it. 

One tip I forgot to mention.  All of the trails we have found so far in RMNP have been in one book.  It's called Best Easy Day Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park.  I love this book!  It's been a great help in finding easier trails, but it's still unsure what the definition of easy hike is.