Bear Lake is probably the most visited Lake in the Park thanks to the road that ends in a large Parking lot and the beautiful setting. There are not too many places in the United States where you can drive so closely to the Continental Divide (9,475') and experience the rugged wilderness so close to your car.
Many trails explore the surrounding area from here. Bear Lake itself is a glacial cirque, scooped out by glaciers and dammed by a terminal moraine. Its deepest spot is 33 feet, deeper than most lakes in the area. A protected trout, the Greenback Cutthroat, lives here after a restoration of this endangered fish. No game fishing is allowed here.
The lake was named by Horace Ferguson, an early rancher in the area, who saw a bear here – most likely a black bear. This was noteworthy to him because bears are so infrequently seen here.
The Park Service has created a Nature Walk around the trail with sign posts that match a Trail Guide that you can purchase at the Trailhead or at Park Headquarters. In winter, the views of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain over the alternating clear pewter like surface and snow covered surface are beautiful to behold. Some come to ice skate (at their own risk).
For our virtual Hike, we take the Bear Lake loop, then depart for Bierstadt Lake and follow the Flattop Trail a ways. #
