Near Bierstadt Lake Trail
Evening Fall Colors in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Near Bierstadt Lake Trail
Great view coming down the trail. Sprague lake off to the left.
Near Bierstadt Lake Trail
Bierstadt Lake Trail has some of the grandest views I've experienced in RMNP
Near Bierstadt Lake Trail
Climbing up to Bierstadt Lake, on the left you can just make out Sprague Lake.
Near Bierstadt Lake Trail
Aspens in the valley

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Bierstadt Lake Trail

3.8 (6 Ratings)
A steadily ascending trail connecting the Bierstadt Lake trailhead to Bierstadt Lake.
1
mi
Distance
644
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsViewsWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
Given the popularity of this area, visitors are advised to utilize the FREE shuttle system, rather than driving.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
1mi
Distance
644ft
Elevation Gain
44ft
Elevation Loss
50%
Max Grade
9,481ft
High Point
8,864ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
From the parking area at the Bierstadt Lake TH, follow the well-marked and well-traveled trail through a series of switchbacks as it ascends the southern aspect of the moraine. Enjoy the constantly changing scenery as you wander through mixed forest over glacially shaped topography. The higher you climb, the better the views get! Eventually, you'll emerge at the top of the moraine and a junction with Bierstadt Lake Loop Trail. You can pick whether to turn left or right, but both options will lead you back to this very junction. The other option is to simply turn around and retrace your steps down the Bierstadt Lake Trail.

Route Conditions

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Nearby Hike Routes

Bierstadt Lake Loop

Hike Route

Bierstadt Lake Loop

Birding
moderate
2.83 mi
+679 ft
Sprague Lake Loop Hike

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Sprague Lake Loop Hike

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easy
0.82 mi
+0 ft
Sky Pond

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Sky Pond

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strenuous
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The Loch Hike

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The Loch Hike

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moderate
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+1,080 ft
Andrews Glacier Trail

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Andrews Glacier Trail

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+2,268 ft
Loch Vale

Hike Route

Loch Vale

Birding
moderate
5.59 mi
+1,067 ft
Contributors
Brian Smith