Colorado · Hiking · Near Estes Park

Fern Lake Trail

14.7 mi
round trip
560 ft
climb
10,683 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun, Sep
best months

Is Fern Lake Trail open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Rocky Mountain National Park. It doesn't name Fern Lake Trail, so check the source for the area it covers.

  • Prescribed Fire Operations are Underway near Beaver Meadows Visitor Center

    Park closure covering Rocky Mountain National Park · NPS · Rocky Mountain National Park

As of · Source: NPS · Rocky Mountain National Park. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Fern Lake Trail is a 7.3-mile out-and-back hike located near Colorado in Colorado. This trail takes hikers through scenic terrain to Fern Lake, making it a moderate full-day adventure for those seeking a backcountry experience. The route follows a well-established path that gradually ascends toward the lake, rewarding hikers with views of the surrounding landscape as they progress. The out-and-back format means you'll retrace your steps on the return journey, allowing for a familiar descent after reaching the lake. This trail is suitable for hikers with basic endurance who are comfortable spending several hours on the trail. The destination lake provides a natural turnaround point and a peaceful spot to rest and enjoy the alpine environment before heading back. Plan for a full day outing and bring adequate water and supplies for the 7.3-mile round trip. Check current trail conditions before heading out, as mountain weather and seasonal changes can affect trail accessibility.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Sourdough Campsite

    Campground

    Campground · 1.5 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Aspen Dining

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 4 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors · Photos: Matt Golon, CC BY-SA 3.0 (commons)

More in Estes Park

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jun, Sep

    Best time to visit Fern Lake Trail

    Best months: June and September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      29° / 12°

      15 wet

    2. Feb

      28° / 11°

      16 wet

    3. Mar

      36° / 17°

      16 wet

    4. Apr

      40° / 22°

      17 wet

    5. May

      50° / 29°

      16 wet

    6. Jun

      62° / 36°

      12 wet

    7. Jul

      68° / 43°

      14 wet

    8. Aug

      66° / 41°

      13 wet

    9. Sep

      59° / 34°

      10 wet

    10. Oct

      47° / 26°

      10 wet

    11. Nov

      35° / 19°

      12 wet

    12. Dec

      28° / 12°

      15 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Boulder 14 W, CO, 20.3 mi away at 9,828 ft. The station sits about 900 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors