Cub Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park

Cub Lake

This family-friendly trail leads through the landscapes surrounding Big Thompson River and Moraine Park

Plan Around Cub Lake

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Cub Lake Details

This popular, family-friendly trail leads south through the scenic, varied landscapes above the Big Thompson River and Moraine Park, passing a number of moraines, cliffs, streams, and ponds before reaching the picturesque, lily-pad-covered lake. The trail navigates through willow thickets and groves of pines and aspen, steepening about halfway through, and circumnavigating a few grassy, wildflower-filled meadows. The areas surrounding the trail are well known for the rabbits, hares, bobcats, and elk inhabit them, and the pond itself provides excellent opportunities to quietly watch waterfowl. The lakeshores, although generally lined with dense forest, are shady and quiet, and there are some backcountry campsites nearby (backcountry permit required).

Difficulty

Moderate

Distance

2.3 miles

Estimated time

2.75 hours

Region

N/A

Nearby Parks Around Cub Lake

Compare nearby parks around Cub Lake when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

3.0 mi away

Rocky Mountain

National Park · CO

166.4 mi away

Black Canyon

National Park · CO

181.3 mi away

Great Sand Dunes

National Park · CO

245.0 mi away

Arches

National Park · UT

257.1 mi away

Mesa Verde

National Park · CO

259.9 mi away

Canyonlands

National Park · UT

Nearby Points of Interest Around Cub Lake

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Cub Lake while the map context is still fresh.

0.0 mi away

Cub Lake Trailhead

May 26-Oct 9, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m, every 20 minutes. Expect major delays due to construction.

0.3 mi away

Moraine Park Campground (C Loop)

Daily service: May 27 to October 18 (15 passenger limit due to COVID-19). Every 30 minutes from 7 am to 7:30 pm. Times are approximate estimates based on frequency.

0.8 mi away

Fern Lake Trailhead

Daily service: May 27 to October 18 (15 passenger limit due to COVID-19). Every 30 minutes from 7 am to 7:30 pm. Times are approximate estimates based on frequency.

0.8 mi away

The Pool

Originally called "Funston Pool" after Fredrick Funston, who supposedly caught 312 trout from the pool.

1.0 mi away

Moraine Park Campground

This large campground has 245 campsites and is open year-round.