Odessa Lake
This high alpine lake is one of the park's best-kept secrets because of the access trail's difficulty.
Plan Around Odessa 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.
Odessa Lake Details
This high subalpine lake sits in a steep valley surrounded by the 11,586-foot Little Matterhorn, Joe Mills Mountain, and The Gable. From Bear Lake Trailhead, the trail passes through varied terrain, climbing past the aspen groves around Bear Lake and climbing steadily though lodgepole pines and spruce until it opens up into an open area on a talus-covered slop and rises to a highpoint on Joe Mills Mountain. From this point there are sweeping views of Flattop and Knobtop Mountains, and Ptarmigan Point. The trail quickly descends to the lake's eastern shore. From Fern Lake Trailhead, this trail is 4.4 miles, 4.5 hours, and has an elevation change of 1,865 feet.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
4.1 miles
Estimated time
4.5 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Odessa Lake
Compare nearby parks around Odessa Lake when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Odessa Lake
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Odessa Lake while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Dream Lake
This high alpine lake is best when combined with the nearby Emerald and Nymph Lakes.
0.0 mi away
Flattop Mountain
The ascending trail is challenging, and experiences a lot of quick elevation gains and steep climbs.
0.1 mi away
Dream Lake Trail
This is an easy trail, the first half is paved, and it is very popular with families and those looking for an excellent payoff without much effort.
0.1 mi away
Bear Lake
This stunning lake is one of Rocky Mountain National Park's most accessible high alpine lakes.
0.1 mi away
Bear Lake
Bear Lake Road is open year round, making Bear Lake itself one of the park's most popular destinations.
