Bear Lake Trailhead - Search Nearby - Added by Jason Hatfield
A tough hike to a seldom visited off-trail lake in Rocky Mountain National Park.
The hike to Ptarmigan Lake has plenty of elevation gain for mountain lovers and views for miles from the Continental Divide. If you want to reach this spot for sunrise you'll need a very early start in the morning, but that also means you won't have to use the shuttle system to Bear Lake. The last half mile of the hike is off-trail so make sure to watch your step and practice Leave No Trace Principles. If you're lucky you might also encounter a herd of elk foraging for summer greens on Flat Top Mountain.
From the Bear Lake parking area head right on the Bear Lake Trail loop to a fork in .25 miles. Take this steep connector trail up Flat Top Mountain Trail and stay left at a junction with Fern Lake Trail at mile 1. Follow the trail all the way to the top and stay straight at the junctions after mile 4. After 5 miles in you should be able to see the lake 700' below you and can carefully choose your own path down. From the outlet of the Ptarmigan Lake, you can see numerous photogenic tarns and the North Inlet.
Tags
Details
Stay Nearby
Nearby Adventures
Climb Notchtop Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park
3.5 Miles Round Trip - 1550 ft gain
Hike to Nymph Lake
1.1 Miles Round Trip - 245 ft gain
Hike Flattop Hallett Andrews Loop
10.9 Miles Round Trip - 3238 ft gain
Summer, a season not to be missed in Aspen!
"I came for the winter, and stayed for the summer," is a phrase you'll often hear around town. The weather is one of the highlights. During the day the temperature hovers in the 70's and 80's, and by evening the mercury will drop into the 60's. Arts & culture enthusiasts will be just as fulfilled as the adventure junkie during summer in Aspen. The events calendar abounds with activities for everyone, from cultural events to athletic pursuits.
Experiencing all Aspen has to offer is as easy as opening the front door. Join us for a summer adventure that’s anything but ordinary.
Visit Aspen
