Bear Lake (Colorado)

Bear Lake is a scenic trailhead and destination in Rocky Mountain National Park.[1][2] Sitting at an elevation of 9,450 feet (2,880 m),[3][4] the alpine lake rests beneath the sheer flanks of Hallett Peak and the Continental Divide at 40.31324°N 105.648222°W / 40.31324; -105.648222. Several trails, from easy strolls to strenuous hikes, start from the lake. The Bear Lake Road is open year-round, though it may temporarily close due to adverse weather conditions. An ample parking lot is provided close to the lake. The Bear Lake Road is approximately 10 miles (16 km) long and starts close to the Beaver Meadows Entrance station of the Rocky Mountain National Park.

The state quarter coin for Colorado, released June 14, 2006, depicts the view of Longs Peak from the north shore of Bear Lake.
Bear Lake, June 2016
Bear Lake in snow, January 2020

The lake was formed during the ice age by a glacier. Several moraines can be found downhill of Bear Lake.[5]

See also

References

  1. Prepelka, Ben. "Bear Lake - Colorado". www.scenicusa.net. Retrieved 2018-09-14.
  2. "Bear Lake Loop". Rocky Mountain Hiking Trails. Rocky Mountain Hiking Trails. Retrieved 2018-09-14.
  3. "Bear Lake (322) - Site Information and Reports". Natural Resources Conservation Services. National Water and Climate Center. Retrieved 28 August 2019.
  4. Lee, Willis T. (1917). The Geologic Story of the Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Washington Government Printing Office. pp. 68–69.
  5. "History of Bear Lake". 2015-05-12. Retrieved 2018-09-14.
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