Cub Lake–Fern Lake Loop

Overview

This is a varied, moderate loop that stitches together Moraine Park’s big meadows, a lily‑pad‑dotted alpine pond, a lively river gorge, and a waterfall—plus a short on‑road connector. Expect a real sampler of Rocky’s landscapes with good odds of wildlife.

The full loop is roughly 10.0 miles total when you include the spur to Fern Falls/Fern Lake and the short walk along Fern Lake Road to close the circuit. A shorter variant runs about 6–7 miles if you skip Fern Falls/Fern Lake. Either direction works, but doing Cub Lake first front‑loads the steeper climb and gives you an easier descent along the river.

Route Options

• Full loop (recommended if you have time): Cub Lake Trailhead → Cub Lake → down to The Pool/Arch Rocks → up‑valley spur to Fern Falls/Fern Lake → Fern Lake Trailhead → short road walk back to Cub Lake Trailhead. About 10.0 miles total with ~1,950 ft of gain.
• Shorter loop: Cub Lake Trailhead → Cub Lake → descend to The Pool/Arch Rocks → Fern Lake Trailhead → road walk back. Roughly 6–7 miles, ~700–900 ft of gain.

What You’ll See

• Moraine Park meadows and the Big Thompson River: broad views and prime wildlife habitat as you skirt the western edge of the valley.
• Cub Lake: a small, scenic pond often rimmed with lily pads. The surrounding hillsides show recovery from the 2012 Fern Lake Fire, which also means more sun exposure.
• The Pool and Arch Rocks: a narrow river gorge and photogenic boulders as the trail parallels the Big Thompson.
• Fern Falls and Fern Lake (full loop): a satisfying waterfall and classic subalpine lake views, with peaks like Notchtop and Little Matterhorn visible from Fern Lake’s north side.

Trail Feel and Difficulty

Overall moderate. The hike starts mellow across meadow, then tackles a steeper, rocky pitch before Cub Lake. The Fern Lake side trends gentler, with well‑maintained singletrack and some rocky, uneven sections. Burn‑scar segments near Cub Lake can be hot and exposed. Sturdy footwear (and trekking poles if you like) make the day nicer.

Logistics

Start from either Cub Lake or Fern Lake trailheads off Fern Lake Road. Parking is limited, and the summer Moraine Park Shuttle services the Cub Lake Trailhead. To complete the loop, you’ll need a short walk on Fern Lake Road between trailheads. Pets are not allowed on this trail. Backcountry campsites in the corridor (e.g., Cub Creek, Arch Rocks) are by reservation if you’re turning this into an intro backpack.

Best Time to Hike

• Summer: popular and typically in good shape—start early for cooler temps, easier parking, and better wildlife viewing.
• Fall: crisp air, thinner crowds, color, and the elk rut in Moraine Park.
• Winter: hikeable year‑round; bring snowshoes or traction as conditions dictate, extra layers, and keep an eye on weather and avalanche considerations at higher elevations.

Tips & Tradeoffs

• Direction matters: tackling Cub Lake first puts the steeper climb early and saves the gentler river walk for the back half.
• Bring sun protection and plenty of water—burned slopes near Cub Lake offer limited shade.
• Expect a short road walk to close the loop. It’s the least charming segment, but the rest of the route makes up for it.
• Ticks exist here—wear long sleeves/pants when brushing through grasses and check yourself after.

If you want a single hike that packs in meadows, a lily‑pad lake, a waterfall, and solid wildlife odds without the Bear Lake corridor chaos, this loop delivers. The price of admission is a bit of exposure, a rocky climb, and that brief road connector.