Rocky Mountain National Park's Fern Lake Trail

Fern Lake Trail

Description:
The Fern Lake Trail begins at the trailhead at an elevation of 8,158 feet. It climbs to Fern Lake at an elevation of 9,502 feet. It intersects with the Cub Lake and Spruce Lake trails along the way. The scenery is quite varied, from lush vegetation along the Big Thompson River to dense forest, streams and waterfalls, to a high mountain lake backed by spectacular peaks. This is a good trail for horses.

The trail makes a level path along the north side of the Big Thompson River. It passes through some unusual rock formations called Arch Rocks. It is a unique feeling walking through the narrow passage between these tall boulders. The trail makes a fairly level path for 1.7 miles to The Pool. A bridge crosses the Big Thompson River just below The Pool. The Pool was carved out of the steep rock walls by the fast moving water.

After crossing the bridge, the trail makes a steady climb up the ridge heading southwest. It soon levels out at the intersection of the trail back to the Old Forest Inn campsite. The trail crosses Fern Creek over a log bridge. Horses can cross to the right. It then makes a long, steady climb up the ridge with Fern Creek on one side and Spruce Creek on the other. Soon you will hear the roar of Fern Falls. The trail travels within a few yards of it. Past the falls, you'll continue to make a steady, moderate climb until you're within a few tenths of a mile of Fern Lake. Here the trail levels off, passing a horse hitch rack on the left. The trail to Spruce Lake is just a few yards away. Fern Lake is a short distance beyond the intersection. There is a patrol cabin to the west of the lake. Fern Lake is a picturesque lake surrounded by spruce forest and spectacular peaks (Notchtop Mountain and Little Matterhorn).

Features:

Length:	3.7 miles (5.95 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	8,158' - 9,502'
Elevation change:	1,577 feet
Season:	June 1 - Nov 1
Difficulty:	Moderate
Use:	High
USGS maps:	McHenrys Peak
Trailheads:	Fern Lake
Restrictions:	No pets are permitted
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted)
Suitable for horses:	Yes

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
The Fern Lake Trail is reached via the Fern Lake Trailhead. Take Highway 36 from the Beaver Meadows Entrance to the Bear Lake Road. Follow Bear Lake Road for about 1.2 miles to the Moraine Park Campground Road. Turn right and then left at the Cub/Fern Lake sign (half mile) and travel about 2.1 miles to the trailhead. There is a large parking area with a restroom about half mile before the trailhead. There is room for horse trailers here. Vehicles over 25 feet should also park here. There are three small parking area along the last half mile of road. The circular parking area at the trailhead will accommodate about 21 vehicles. Spaces fill up by mid morning in this popular area.

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