How to Hike the Fern Lake Loop Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado

The Fern Lake Loop at Rocky Mountain National Park is a moderate to strenuous trek of 10 miles that will test even the most avid hiker. But in the process, one will hike up a ridge toward Flattop Peak and then follow a narrow valley that encompasses five alpine lakes and three waterfalls. This hike is only a partial loop starting at one trail head and concluding at another. A shuttle bus will be required for the return trip to the starting trail head.

Things You'll Need

• Map of Colorado Map of Rocky Mountain National Park Hydration bag Water Hiking boots Snacks Sunscreen Insect repellent Camera

Instructions

1. Plan to hike during late summer. The season is short and the park is crowded, but less so at this elevation.

2. Make reservations early at any of the many campgrounds in the National Park. There are several lodging options in nearby Estes Park. Boulder and Denver are less than 100 miles away.

3. Pay the entrance fee at the west gate and turn left, off U.S. Highway 36, onto Bear Lake Road.

4. Stop at the Moraine Park Visitor Center to get information on trail conditions and inclement weather. Pick up a park map here as well.

5. Examine the map and note that the Fern Lake Trailhead is off Cub Lake Road. Note that the Fern Lake Trailhead will be the terminus of the hike and not the starting point.

6. Continue west on Bear Lake Road to roads end and begin at the Bear Lake Trailhead. This trail circles the lake but, more importantly, allows access to the Flattop Mountain Trailhead. Take the Bear Lake Trail to the Flattop Mountain Trail.

7. Follow the ridge to a trail fork. The left fork continues to the peak, while the right continues to follow the ridge. Stay to the right up the ridge toward Lake Helene. You will have to traverse a debris field of rock jumbles.

8. Note that the hike up the ridge is very strenuous, but once at Helene, it's all downhill to the Fern Lake Trailhead.

9. Stop at the ridge above Helene and look to the right to view Grace Falls, the first waterfall on the hike. The hiker will be unable to access either Helene or Grace.

10. Crest the ridge and descend the other side toward the second of the lakes. Odessa is oblong shaped and is nestled among pines, reflecting green. One can reach the lake's bank.

11. Continue downstream and approach Fern Lake, similar in size and shape to Odessa.

12. Descend to two separate falls below Fern Lake. The first, Marguerite, makes two distinct drops before cascading toward Fern Falls, and its one drop.

13. Veer to the right when the trail forks just below Fern Falls and follow the ravine to the Fern Lake Trailhead.

14. Wait for the shuttle bus back to the Bear Lake parking area.

Resources

• Rocky Mountain National Park Website