Highlight • Lake
Bear Lake
Hiking
5.0
(3)
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Holy Cross Wilderness
Tips
Caro "LadyOutdoors"
July 14, 2025
Hiking
Bear Lake is a beautiful alpine lake close to the Colorado Trail and Continental Divide Trail. There is a spur trail running around the lake. It is a great spot to spend time and is also home to brook trouts.
Matthew
July 10, 2023
Hiking
Bear Lake sits right at 11,070 feet elevation within the Holy Cross Wilderness. There are many ponds off the side of the Colorado Trail close to Bear Lake, but the actual lake is down the spur trail headed south. There are camping areas around the lake, but be aware that this is in a wilderness area and LNT principles should be practiced.
Matthew
July 13, 2023
Running
Bear Lake sits right at 11,070 feet elevation within the Holy Cross Wilderness. There are many ponds off the side of the Colorado Trail close to Bear Lake, but the actual lake is down the spur trail headed south. It's pretty rough terrain for running, but the Colorado Trail offers runnable terrain.
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Bear Lake
8
hikers
9.81km
04:28
520m
520m
This difficult 6.1-mile hike on the Colorado Trail leads to Bear Lake in the Holy Cross Wilderness, gaining 1708 feet in elevation.
Hard
4
hikers
3.14km
01:05
90m
90m
Hike the difficult 2.0-mile Bear Lake via Colorado Trail in San Isabel National Forest, gaining 281 feet to a picturesque alpine lake.
Hard
9
hikers
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Hard
Details
Informations
Elevation 3,370 m
Weather
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