Search routes & places
RMNP - Bierstadt Lake


Log in and send us updates, images and resources

RMNP - Bierstadt Lake

Hike or snowshoe to serene Bierstadt Lake in RMNP through thick pines to the east end of the lake where you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the mountains along the Continental Divide.

Please view this document with everything you need to know about Rocky Mountain National Park 

There are four trailheads used to reach Bierstadt Lake.

Bierstadt Lake via Bear Lake Trailhead: 4.8 miles, 260 feet elevation gain

This 4.8 mile loop hike includes a 260' gain as you ascend the moraine created by glaciers long since gone.  Bierstadt Lake is surrounded by a thick pine forest, and is ringed by sedges that give it a very serene appearance.  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.  

Bierstadt Lake via Hollowell Park Trailhead: 3 miles, 1,236 feet elevation gain

From the Hollowell Trailhead in RMNP the trail ascends through the Mill Creek Basin and eventually ends at Bierstadt Lake. This is not a trail that is normally used to get to Bierstadt so usually offers a less crowded trail with opportunities to break trail in fresh snow. Great views of the Continental Divide once the lake is reached.

Bear Lake to Hollowell Park via Bierstadt Lake - 5.5 miles, 350 feet elevation gain

Bierstadt Lake from the Bierstadt Moraine TH - 5 miles, 1070 ft elevation gain

Starting from Bierstadt Moraine TH at the RMNP PnR lot, this route heads west on the Bierstadt Moraine Trail, ascending to Bierstadt Lake. At the lake the trail merges north on the Bierstadt Lake Trail, going around the north side of the lake. Traveling past the lake, we will turn south on the Mill Creek Basin Trail, going around a 9600' peak. Turning east, we will head back on the Bear Lake Bierstadt Trail along the south side of the Bierstadt Lake. This trail merges back to the Bierstadt Moraine Trail, which will take us to the trailhead.

  • Suitable Activities: Hiking, Snowshoeing
  • Snowshoeing Category: Basic
  • Seasons: Year-round
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • 9,420 ft
Map
Activities
Trip Reports
Titles

This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.

  • RMNP - Bierstadt Lake via Hollowell Park Trailhead
  • RMNP - Bierstadt Lake via Bear Lake Trailhead
  • RMNP - Bear Lake to Hollowell Park via Bierstadt Lake
  • RMNP - Bierstadt Lake from the Bierstadt Moraine TH
Resources

There are no resources for this route/place. Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.