Pros & cons
PROS
- Quieter alternative to the Dream/Emerald Lake crowds
- Panoramic views of Notchtop, Flattop, and Ptarmigan Point
CONS
- No facilities at the lake
- Spur to the shore is unmarked and easy to miss
- Snow and ice linger much of the year; traction often needed
Overview
Lake Helene sits on a shallow bench at treeline beneath Notchtop Mountain, Ptarmigan Point, and Flattop—classic high-country scenery without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. It’s a lovely, glassy tarn that rewards a bit more walking than the Dream/Emerald loop, and it feels more peaceful because of it. Two Rivers Lake—bigger than you’d expect and with similar vibes—hides just off-trail down-valley from Helene.
The Hike
Start from Bear Lake. It’s roughly 6.3 miles round trip to Lake Helene, rising steadily on well-traveled singletrack with signed junctions along the way. The lake sits around 10,643 feet, so the altitude adds some bite, but the grades are generally moderate. The final spur to the shore isn’t signed—pay attention, or you’ll drift past and begin descending toward the Odessa Gorge.
Scenery & Wildlife
The payoff is the skyline: Notchtop’s crags, Flattop’s broad shoulder, and Ptarmigan Point framing the basin. On calm mornings, the reflections can be gorgeous. From rocky knobs near the lake you can spot Grace Falls and peek toward Odessa Lake. Keep your distance, but don’t be surprised by moose, marmots, pika, or elk in this zone.
Seasons & Conditions
Snow and ice hang around much of the year; the most reliable dry trail is typically July through October. In shoulder seasons and winter, expect packed snow, icy stretches, and occasionally blown-in sections—microspikes are smart most of the year outside midsummer, and snowshoes help if you want to roam around the basin.
Logistics
Bear Lake parking fills early on busy days; plan a dawn start or use the Park & Ride shuttle when the lot is full. Timed-entry reservations and an entrance fee apply in season along the Bear Lake corridor. Dogs aren’t allowed on trails. There are no toilets, tables, or other amenities at Lake Helene itself.
Best Time to Visit
Aim for early mornings on weekdays—easier parking, lighter winds, and the best chance for mirror-like reflections. Fall’s color window can be short but sweet. Midday often brings chop on the water and bigger crowds between Bear Lake and the early junctions.
Where it is
40.3202, -105.6858Tips for Lake Helene
- 01Start at Bear Lake before 7 am or plan on using the Park & Ride shuttle.
- 02If you begin descending toward Odessa Gorge, you’ve passed the Helene spur—backtrack a bit.
- 03Carry microspikes in Oct–June; snowshoes help if you want to explore around the lake.
- 04Detour to Two Rivers Lake just before Helene for extra views and fewer people.
- 05Scramble a few rocky benches near the shore for better vistas and photos.
Near Lake Helene
All places →All trails →
0.5 mi awayNotchtop MountainJagged notch peak above Lake Helene with classic multi-pitch climbsScenic Viewpoint
0.7 mi awayOdessa LakeRemote alpine lake with towering cliffs and fewer crowdsScenic Viewpoint
0.9 mi awayFlattop MountainStrenuous climb to big Divide views and classic alpine wildlifeTrailhead · Restroom
1.1 mi awayTyndall GlacierShrinking alpine glacier above Emerald Lake in dramatic Tyndall Gorge
2.2 mi awayEmerald Lake TrailThree alpine lakes and dramatic peaks in a short, rewarding climbModerate · 3.6 mi · 1.6 hr
2.2 mi awayFlattop Mountain TrailSteady climb to the Continental Divide with huge alpine viewsChallenging · 8.8 mi · 5.5 hr
2.2 mi awayDream LakeShort, scenic climb to a glassy alpine lake with big payoffEasy · 2.2 mi · 1.1 hr
2.2 mi awayLake Haiyaha TrailMilky‑turquoise alpine lake with a short boulder scramble finaleModerate · 4.2 mi · 0 min
