About
Length9 mi
ShapePoint-to-Point
DifficultyHard
Elevation gain1,200 ft up
Typical time5 hr
TrailheadBear Lake trailhead down to Fern Lake trailhead
SurfaceAlpine trail, then a long descent through Odessa Gorge
Best seasonJuly to September for the high country. Trail Ridge Road opens late May and closes with the first heavy snow.
DogsNot allowed
What you'll see 💧 Waterfall🌄 Big views🏞️ Lake🌼 Wildflowers

From Bear Lake the trail climbs to Flattop junction, traverses under Notchtop Mountain and drops into Odessa Gorge past Lake Helene, Odessa Lake and Fern Lake, finishing at the Fern Lake trailhead in Moraine Park. Fern Falls and Marguerite Falls are both on the descent.

Tips
Use the park shuttle so you can walk it one way and downhill. A timed entry permit is required for the Bear Lake corridor. Snow blocks the high traverse into July.
Location

Bear Lake trailhead down to Fern Lake trailhead

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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