The second-largest natural freshwater lake in Colorado, Bear Lake has been nicknamed Caribbean of the Rockies because of the piercing turquoise color of its water. Limestone deposits reflecting in the water are the cause of the distinctive blue color of this 250,000-year-old lake. This lake and its surrounding area offer recreational activities year-round, from fly-fishing and Jet-Skiing in the water, to skiing on the snowy nearby slopes in the colder months. You can also spot plenty of wildlife and birds here, and the area is known for its raspberries. To visit Bear Lake on your trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, use our Rocky Mountain National Park trip maker.
Create an itinerary including Bear Lake
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors
Bear Lake reviews
-
The lake is frozen as of April 2nd restrooms are disgusting they smell really bad it’s very slippery be careful more »
-
We were not sure what to expect when we arrived as this was the middle of March and there was several inches of fresh snow. Hoping to see the lake but instead it was frozen over and snow covered... more »
-
Family camping trip and this place is gorgeous and Awesome! Toilets well maintained
-
Awesome family friendly hike around the lake with several great picture spots and places to explore.
Plan your trip to Rocky Mountain National Park
Get a personalized trip
A complete day by day itinerary
based on your preferencesCustomize it
Refine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedulesManage it
Everything in one place.
Everyone on the same page.
Popular things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park
Nature in Rocky Mountain National Park
Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
Hidden gems in Rocky Mountain National Park
Side trips from Rocky Mountain National Park
Nearby attractions in Rocky Mountain National Park
Trips to Bear Lake by other users
9 days in Fort Collins
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Veteran's Plaza of Northern Colorado
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
1883 Water Works
5 days in Denver Area, Rocky Mountain National Park & Colorado Springs
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Denver
Rocky Mountain National Park
Colorado Springs
6 days in Colorado Springs & Estes Park
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Colorado Springs
Estes Park
9 days in Colorado & Arches National Park
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Denver
Boulder
Estes Park
6 days in Fort Collins
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Watson Lake State Wildlife Area
Cache La Poudre River
Old Fall River Road
5 days in Fort Collins
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Veteran's Plaza of Northern Colorado
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
Beer & Bike Day Tours
