Bierstadt Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park

Wondering if you should hike to Bierstadt Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park with the kids?

We’ve visited Rocky Mountain National Park many times as a family, either just enjoying a scenic drive or (more often) getting out to explore on foot. There are so many places to explore in the park that it’s hard to pick a favorite, but we have really enjoyed the many times we have hiked Bierstadt Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park.

The first time we did it was with a kid on our back (and I front carried the baby). We’ve done it in the snow, in the summer, hiked the loop or hiked through to Bear Lake. As I said, it’s one of our favorites!

This beautiful lake is definitely worth the hike and I highly recommend it for anyone, even families with littles who may need to be carried in a backpack. One time we hiked it, dad had a toddler on his back and I was front carrying the baby while the older two walked. It can be done!

Here’s what you need to know about getting to the trail and what to expect and plan for at Bierstadt Lakein RMNP.

It’s Not Mount Bierstadt

I want to make this clear before you go so you don’t panic. This is NOT Mount Bierstadt, the famous 14er.

Colorado is known for its many 14ers (mountain peaks above 14,000 feet). Bierstadt Lake and Mount Bierstadt may be name the same, but they are not the same. You will not be climbing to an elevation over 14,000.

Mount Bierstadt is far away off I-70 and Lake Bierstadt is in a whole other part of the state in the national park.

Views in fall from the trail

How to get to Bierstadt Lake Trailhead

To access the trailhead, you will go down Bear Lake Rd. In the busy season (roughly May through October), you will need a “timed-entry + Bear Lake Rd” pass to access this part of the park.

You can find everything about getting the pass here (like when they release and at what time and what to do if you miss the initial release). Once you’ve gotten familiar with the process, then head to the pass site when it’s time.

Once on Bear Lake Rd, head to the Bierstadt Trailhead. The parking lot here is pretty small. If there is not spot available, head to the park-n-ride on Bear Lake Rd right across from Glacier Basin Campground (you’ll have already passed it at this point). There’s a lot more parking here and you can ride the shuttle right to the Bierstadt trailhead.

Bierstadt Lake Trail

The trail itself is fairly easy. There’s not rock scrambling like at Lake Haiyaha and nothing terribly steep. There is some quick incline and switchbacks though where you can watch the road and cars get smaller and smaller as you ascend.

You’ll reach one of my favorite moments in Rocky Mountain National Park as you get to the top of the switchbacks. The views are awesome of the mountains running to the side and vast areas of evergreens filling the space below.

Mid-summer will bring plenty of wildflowers for the kids to find along this part of the trail. If you really watch you can even see the beautiful Sprague Lake in the distance below.

As you get to the top of the switchbacks, the trail changes into a flatter terrain through the woods. This part of the trail is much easier and a welcome relief from the climb to the top.

If you have carried a child in a backpack carrier, this is a great time to let them down for an easy stroll.

After a little more walking, the lake will come into view. You’ll have the option to split left or right, either way bringing you to the loop around Bierstadt Lake, a perfect place for the kids to relax a little and enjoy a snack.

The views from the top of the switchbacks are amazing

Two Ways Down from Bierstadt Lake

There are two ways of getting back down from Bierstadt Lake. They are roughly the same amount of distance, so it’s just a matter of preference.

The first is to just head back down the way you came. I suggest this in cases of bad weather as you’ll descend quicker through the switchbacks. This will take you back to the Bierstadt trailhead where you’ve either parked or can catch the shuttle back to the park-n-ride.

The second option is to hike through and go to Bear Lake. Again, its roughly the same distance. Then you get to also enjoy Bear Lake! You can catch the shuttle at Bear Lake and take it back to wherever you parked (Bierstadt trailhead or the park-n-ride. It will stop at both.)

We have done both and I prefer the Bear Lake route. The decline is a little more gentle and you see more in the end.

The trail at the top near the lake flattens out and you can continue to Bear Lake

Plan Ahead for your Hike to Bierstadt Lake!

Start your hike early! I cannot stress this enough. Here’s why:

One of the times we were in Rocky Mountain, we spent the morning in one area, ate lunch, and then decided to hike to Bierstadt Lake.

We checked the weather.

The sky was clear.

And then a terrifying thunderstorm rolled in as we reached the top.

The kind that really shakes you when you’re at the highest elevation in your hike and it’s pouring rain and you’re trying to keep the kids calm while faking your own calmness.

Luckily we were among trees so as not to be the tallest, only thing up there. But it was still quite scary. Also luckily, it lasted about 10-15 minutes (which felt like forever at the time) and then rolled out, leaving us with sunshine and an incredible smelling forest.

My youngest was in a child carrier, so she sang her way through the storm and then fell asleep. At least she was brave.

Here are a few things to make sure you’re ready and safe for Bierstadt, or really any hike in the park:

• Start early. Afternoon storms are common and can come quickly
• Bring plenty of water and snacks suitable for hiking
• Make sure someone knows where you are and when to expect to hear from you
• I suggest a lightweight towel…just in case
• Talk with a ranger before you head out, especially if it’s a longer or less crowded hike
• Bring layers. The weather changes quickly in Colorado, especially at altitude.

The hike really isn’t scary. It was just bad timing for us and we should have gone earlier. You can avoid our mistakes when you go and plan the higher elevation hikes for morning.

Can Kids Hike to Bierstadt Lake?

Yes, absolutely. My kids have done it many times over the years. Of course it will be a more leisurely pace when they’re younger and there’s nothing wrong with that. They are building their love and joy of hiking and appreciating the outdoors!

I suggest really young ones ride in a backpack carrier to make it easier for everyone. There’s a big hill at the beginning all the way to the top!

But the other kids will love seeing the different flowers, searching for wildlife (we saw squirrels and a wild turkey), and spotting the car way below as they ascend.

How long does it take to hike to Bierstadt Lake?

Since this is a family blog and you’ll probably have kids with you, the time can vary wildly. But on average it’s around 2 hours to hike this trail. You’ll want to hang out up at the lake though, so that can add some extra, well-spent time.

Is Bierstadt Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park worth it?

I was worried about their feet getting cold, but they were loving it

Oh yes, it’s so worth it. We have hiked this many times, literally in sun, rain, and snow. I feel like you should visit every lake you can in Rocky Mountain because they are each beautiful and each unique in their setting.

If you’re curious about the Bierstadt Lake trail in RMNP, know that it will not disappoint. The views along the trail are stunning, and that’s before you even reach your destination.

And YES, kids can do this! If they don’t mind a little hard work at the beginning, it’s a great trail for families. Take it easy and enjoy the hike as you make your way up to Bierstadt Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park.

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