Uploaded September 2020 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Bear Lake is one of the most popular destinations in Rocky Mountain National Park. We knew that if we were going to get to enjoy it during our September 2020 trip, we needed to pick a time that was "off-peak" to visit. We chose a relaxing sunrise walk around the lake. The Bear Lake Trail is very easy and we would highly recommend it for anyone that wants to see a lake in the Montane Ecosystem. After camping in the park in our A-Frame camper for a couple of days, we knew that the parking lot filled up by 7am daily. Sunrise was the best time for us to get the visit that we wanted. And WOW were we rewarded with stunning colors and views! When we are traveling to National Parks, we pick one thing that we want to do on our trip and try to research it to find the best way to get to do that thing. Well, during 2020, that has been a challenge because nothing is "normal". So, we waited until we got to Rocky Mountain National Park to plan this trip to Bear Lake. When I think about hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, I certainly think about lakes. This hike is one that will be good for almost anyone.
Bear Lake is an easy and accessible place to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park. But timing is everything. We wanted to drive to get there. There are free shuttles that allow you to get there even if the parking lot is full. Many people were using them the week we were there.
0:00 introduction
0:14 - Morning Drive
0:33 - Parking lot
1:10 - First views and the Moon reflection
2:39 - views at daybreak
4:06 - first Colorful sunrise view
10:30 - sign with map of the area
happytrailshiking.com
At Happy Trails Hiking, we encourage you to live the life you love and seek solace and adventure in America’s Parks and Public Lands. We strive to motivate and inspire people through travel.
Kay and Matt have been planning park travel and traveling to parks across the country for 20+ years. Kay has planned trips to National Parks for High School groups as well as couples over the last 5 years. Their personal tips and trail guides can be found on their various social media platforms as well as on their website.
Hike 365 Challenge has a new video on YouTube Sundays and our Park Travel videos come out on Mondays and Thursdays.
Bear Lake is one of the most popular destinations in Rocky Mountain National Park. We knew that if we were going to get to enjoy it during our September 2020 trip, we needed to pick a time that was "off-peak" to visit. We chose a relaxing sunrise walk around the lake. The Bear Lake Trail is very easy and we would highly recommend it for anyone that wants to see a lake in the Montane Ecosystem. After camping in the park in our A-Frame camper for a couple of days, we knew that the parking lot filled up by 7am daily. Sunrise was the best time for us to get the visit that we wanted. And WOW were we rewarded with stunning colors and views! When we are traveling to National Parks, we pick one thing that we want to do on our trip and try to research it to find the best way to get to do that thing. Well, during 2020, that has been a challenge because nothing is "normal". So, we waited until we got to Rocky Mountain National Park to plan this trip to Bear Lake. When I think about hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, I certainly think about lakes. This hike is one that will be good for almost anyone.
Bear Lake is an easy and accessible place to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park. But timing is everything. We wanted to drive to get there. There are free shuttles that allow you to get there even if the parking lot is full. Many people were using them the week we were there.
0:00 introduction
0:14 - Morning Drive
0:33 - Parking lot
1:10 - First views and the Moon reflection
2:39 - views at daybreak
4:06 - first Colorful sunrise view
10:30 - sign with map of the area
happytrailshiking.com
At Happy Trails Hiking, we encourage you to live the life you love and seek solace and adventure in America’s Parks and Public Lands. We strive to motivate and inspire people through travel.
Kay and Matt have been planning park travel and traveling to parks across the country for 20+ years. Kay has planned trips to National Parks for High School groups as well as couples over the last 5 years. Their personal tips and trail guides can be found on their various social media platforms as well as on their website.
Hike 365 Challenge has a new video on YouTube Sundays and our Park Travel videos come out on Mondays and Thursdays.
