Bear Lake

Managing agency

Forest Service

Bear Lake is a 6.7-mile out-and-back trail located in Colorado near the Grand Valley Ranger District of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest. The trail provides access to a scenic alpine lake destination in western Colorado's high country. This out-and-back route requires hikers to cover approximately 3.35 miles each way to reach Bear Lake. The trail is managed by the Grand Valley Ranger District, which oversees recreational use and trail maintenance in this section of the GMUG National Forest. The out-and-back format makes this trail straightforward for navigation, allowing hikers to turn back at the lake or explore the surrounding alpine terrain. The destination lake offers a natural focal point for the hike and opportunities to enjoy the high country landscape. Hikers should prepare for mountain conditions and check current trail conditions through the Grand Valley Ranger District before heading out. The national forest setting provides typical high-elevation hiking experiences with exposure to variable weather patterns common to Colorado's alpine zones.