Bierstadt Lake
This glacial lake is generally less crowded than the similar Bear and Spraque Lakes.
Plan Around Bierstadt Lake
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Bierstadt Lake Details
Most easily accessed via Bear Lake Road, this glacial lake is generally less crowded than the similar Bear and Sprague Lakes, however it is no less scenic. After climbing a small, but steep slope for a short distance, the trail enters a flat woodland where it remains until it reaches the lakeshore. Unlike its comparable counterparts, Bierstadt Lake is surrounded by dense forest and tall marsh grasses, with only a few areas that allow access to the water. Despite its wooded shores, however, there are decent views of Taylor, Otis, and Hallett Peaks, as well as convenient junctions with trails to Bear Lake and Mill Creek Basin. Bierstadt Lake is 2 miles from Bear Lake and 3.5 miles from Bierstadt Lake Trailhead. The elevation gain from Bierstadt Lake Trailhead is 566 feet.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
2
Estimated time
2 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Bierstadt Lake
Compare nearby parks around Bierstadt Lake when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Bierstadt Lake
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Bierstadt Lake while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Bierstadt Lake Trailhead
Daily service: May 27 to October 18 (15 passenger limit due to COVID-19). Every 10-15 minutes from 7 am to 7:30 pm. Times are approximate estimates based on frequency.
0.2 mi away
Storm Pass
A popular trail for longer trips from the Boulder Brook Trailhead to Lily Lake or Estes Cone.
0.2 mi away
Bierstadt Moraine
A ridge with an elevation of 2,849 meters, or 9,347 feet.
0.8 mi away
Sprague Lake
This 13-acre lake was part of a tourist resort operated by Abner and Alberta Sprague from 1910 to 1940.
0.8 mi away
Sprague Lake
This 13-acre lake was part of a tourist resort operated by Abner and Alberta Sprague from 1910 to 1940.
