Bear Lake to Fern Lake Trailhead

Bear Lake to Fern Lake Trailhead is a 9.2-mile point-to-point hike from Bear Lake through two high lake detours before a long descent into Moraine Park. That distance includes short out-and-back visits to Lake Helene and Odessa Lake; the route then passes Fern Lake, Fern Falls and The Pool before ending at Fern Lake Trailhead. Allow about seven hours for the hike and stops, and arrange the second end before setting off. The route climbs from 9,475 feet to around 10,700 feet, then loses height steadily: this is a demanding full-day outing at altitude. The mapped line is 9.24 miles, rounded to 9.2; published totals vary a little, so leave a buffer.

Follow the Bear Lake path briefly, then climb on the route toward Odessa and Mill Creek. Around half a mile in, take the left branch; just beyond a mile, keep straight where the Flattop summit route branches left. The trail climbs through aspen into shaded pine, then eases through Mill Creek drainage. In openings, look south toward Longs Peak, the Keyboard of the Winds, Pagoda Peak and Chiefs Head Peak.

At roughly 3.2 miles, a faint, unmarked footpath leaves left for Lake Helene; the main route turns sharply right and descends. Take the spur before dropping if you want the lake, then retrace it. Notchtop and Knobtop frame the water, with Flattop and Ptarmigan Point to the south.

After the high point and Sourdough campsite, the route drops steeply into Odessa Gorge. Near 4.3 miles, a short branch reaches Odessa Lake below Little Matterhorn and The Gable. Return to the main trail and continue toward Fern Lake. Snow and ice can linger in this shaded section into early summer.

At about 5.1 miles, a viewpoint roughly 50 feet above Fern Lake looks toward Stones Peak. The trail skirts the east shore over a long footbridge and reaches the north side around 5.4 miles. The 2020 East Troublesome Fire left a visible scar through this part of the route, with more open views through the changed forest.

After Fern Lake, descend more than 650 feet in about a mile past Fern Falls, a roughly 60-foot cascade, to The Pool at the Fern Creek and Big Thompson River confluence. Follow the river downstream past Arch Rocks to Fern Lake Trailhead. Expect a sustained descent after the high lakes; no water refill has been confirmed along the route.

Start at Bear Lake Trailhead, where parking can fill early. Free park shuttles serve the Bear Lake Road and Moraine Park corridor in summer but do not run in winter. This route ends at Fern Lake Trailhead; arrange a vehicle move or verify the current shuttle stop and schedule before starting. Pets are not allowed on park trails.