Hiking – RMNP - Bierstadt Lake via Bear Lake Trailhead

We will enjoy this 4.8 mile loop hike through thick pines to serene Bierstadt Lake that includes a 260' gain as you ascend the moraine created by glaciers long since gone.    From the east end of the lake, you'll have stunning panoramic views of the mountains along the Continental Divide, including, from left to right: Longs Peak, Chiefs Head Peak, McHenrys Peak, Powell Peak, Taylor Peak, Otis Peak, Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain.  Bierstadt Lake is named after Albert Bierstadt, an early landscape artist in the Estes valley.  After a lunch break, we will continue around the lake and back to the Bear Lake TH, where we will catch the shuttle bus back to the Park & Ride.  From here, we will carpool back to the visitor center.

There are 2 meeting locations, depending on where you are coming from:  1) JAX parking lot (SE edge), 2665 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland at 7:00 a.m. to carpool, OR 2) Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, U.S. Hwy. 36 RMNP, at 8:00 a.m.   We will carpool and enter RMNP using timed entry permits and drive to the Bear Lake Park & Ride.  From here, we will take the shuttle bus to the Bear Lake TH.  PLEASE let Anita Wright know which meeting location you will be at (adwright2001@yahoo.com or 970-222-5920).