Bear Lake Road ends 9.2 miles from the junction with Trail Ridge Road at the Parking Area for Bear Lake. From the parking area, take a short walk on a marked path to reach Bear Lake itself. Bear Lake offers spectacular scenic views of Bear Lake, Hallett Peak and the surrounding mountain peaks.
The Bustang is back and Rocky Mountain National Park is pleased to partner with CDOT again this summer. CDOT's Bustang to Estes Route will be providing summer seasonal transportation service to Rocky Mountain National Park's Park & Ride Transit Hub on Saturdays and Sundays beginning May 27 through October 1, 2023.
The Bear Lake Road Corridor is a gateway to incredible scenic views, a variety of hiking trails great for all ages, spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities and camping. There is a reason the Bear Lake Road Corridor is one of the most visited areas of Rocky Mountain National Park. Bear Lake Road is a paved road that is 9.2-miles. It climbs in elevation from 8,200 ft (2,500 m) at the junction with Trail Ridge Road to 9,475 ft (2888 m) at the Bear Lake Parking & Trailhead.
At 11,716 feet, Forest Canyon Overlook offers a splendid panorama. Take a five minute walk down the paved asphalt trail to see Forest Canyon and its tributary canyons, Hayden Gorge and Gorge Lakes.
At 12,048 feet elevation, Gore Range Overlook offers spectacular views Rocky Mountain National Park’s highest peaks, the Never Summer Mountains, and the Gore Range.
Hidden Valley is a great place for families to explore. During the summer, this is Junior Ranger Headquarters, open 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There are multiple picnic tables located under a covered pavilion and a flush toilet restroom available.
The Lake Irene Picnic Area is an ideal location to enjoy Rocky Mountain National Park’s sub-alpine ecosystem. There are several picnic tables available at this location and it is just a short walk to Lake Irene.
Get panoramic views of Rocky Mountain National Park! Along the Trail Ridge Road, use this pull out to see a scenic vista of ‘many parks’, meaning low-land meadows.
Medicine Bow Curve provides a great location to view the northernmost areas of Rocky Mountain National Park. Looking to the horizon, visitors will see the Medicine Bow Mountains and the state of Wyoming.
Rocky Mountain National Park will implement another pilot timed entry permit reservation system during specific hours of the day, beginning on May 24 through mid-October. This system applies to all areas of the park.
Rocky Mountain National Park has three different shuttle routes. Bear Lake & Moraine Park Shuttles, which operate along Bear Lake Road, and the Hiker Shuttle. RMNP's Hiker Shuttle offers service between the town of Estes Park and RMNP's Park & Ride Transit Hub.
Timed Entry reservations are required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park during certain times of the day. There are two different options available to choose from: Timed Entry or Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road. Timed Entry reservations provide access to all areas of the park located outside of the Bear Lake Road Corridor.
