Trail Description

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Fern Lake is one of Rocky Mountain National Park’s most popular destinations, celebrated for its generous trout stock, lengthy shoreline and numerous backcountry campsites. Iconic peaks such as the Little Matterhorn (11,586’), Knobtop Mountain (12,331’), Gabletop Mountain (11,939’), Castle Rock and The Gable loom over Fern Lake’s heavily wooded basin. Visitors will enjoy good trail conditions, excellent fishing, 3-4 season accessibility and continuing connections for Spruce Lake, Odessa Lake and Lake Helene.

The Fern Lake Trail rolls gently beside the Big Thompson River through aspen and mixed pine to The Pool - Cub Lake - Fern Lake Trail junction (1.8 miles : 8,365'). Many good fishing spots can be found on this easy-going stretch. Look for beaver, deer, elk and bear along its food-rich banks, a leafy composite that yields berries, mushrooms and bright autumn colors. You’ll wind through a series of cottage-sized boulders known as Arch Rocks just before reaching the Pool, a churning whirlpool below the turbulent confluence of Spruce Creek, Fern Creek and Big Thompson River.

From The Pool you’ll begin an appreciably steeper, methodical climb toward Fern Lake. Views are limited through dense columns of fir on this steady march into the lower-subalpine, highlighted only by a brief stop at misty Fern Falls (2.65 miles : 8,855’). The grade moderates on the final approach to Fern Lake, just before which is the Spruce Lake Trail junction (3.8 miles : 9,485’). Here the forest levels and opens considerably on the northeast corner of Fern Lake (3.85 miles : 9,503'). You may continue on the Fern Lake Trail over its scenic outlet to open views on the east shore, or follow social trails to more secluded nooks and its free-falling inlet on the west shore.

Those seeking a more adventurous backcountry experience should consider a side trip on the unimproved trail to comparably attractive (but much less crowded) Spruce Lake. Experienced and fit hikers may push even further up the drainage to its headwaters at Loomis Lake, located in a secluded cirque beneath Gabletop Mountain.

GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84

• N40 21.291 W105 37.868 - Fern Lake Trailhead

• N40 21.040 W105 39.036 - 1.0 mile mark

• N40 20.966 W105 39.586 - 1.8 miles : The Pool - Cub Lake - Fern Lake Trail split

• N40 20.842 W105 40.071 - 2.65 miles : Fern Falls

• N40 20.320 W105 40.577 - 3.75 miles : Spruce Lake Trail junction

• N40 20.282 W105 40.549 - 3.85 miles : Fern Lake

Worth Noting

• Marguerite Falls, concealed by dense timber, is located just east of the main trail near the Spruce Lake Trail junction. A keen eye will spot social trails in this vicinity that lead to good viewpoints.



• Fern Lake is an ideal layover for lengthier treks to Spruce Lake, Loomis Lake, Odessa Lake and Lake Helene.



• Spaces are limited at the Fern Lake Trailhead. Arrive early to secure parking and a measure of solitude during peak summer months.



• Bears are occasionally seen in the Fern Lake area. Backpackers should remain vigilant and take all recommended precautions.

Camping and Backpacking Information

Permits are required for all overnight stays. Fires are not permitted within Rocky Mountain National Park. Camp safely away from dead trees, as close as possible to the silver metal arrowhead posted at each site. Red arrowheads on trees provide additional guidance to each campsite from the main trail.

Arch Rock Backcountry Campsite (8,240’)

• There is one individual site located 1.6 miles from the Fern Lake Trailhead in a mixed pine and aspen forest. There is no privy or bear storage box available. Water is available from the Big Thompson River.


Old Forest Inn Backcountry Campsite (8,405’)

• There are two individual sites located 1.8 miles from the Fern Lake Trailhead in a spruce - fir stand about 200 yards above the Pool. A bear storage box is available. Water is available from Fern Creek.


Fern Lake Backcountry Campsite (9,530')

• There is one group site and four individual sites located 3.95 miles and 4.15 miles from the Fern Lake Trailhead, respectively. Both are located in a mixed pine forest on the NE and NW sides of Fern Lake, respectively. Each has access to a bear box and privy. Water is available year-round from Fern Lake, its inlet and outlet streams.


Spruce Lake Backcountry Campsite (9,670')

• There is one individual site located 4.5 miles from the Fern Lake Trailhead (6.1 miles from the Bear Lake Trailhead) in a thick spruce-fir stand. The trail from Fern Lake to Spruce Lake is not maintained, and horses are not permitted. A bear storage box is available. Water is available from Spruce Lake, its inlet and outlet streams.


Odessa Lake Backcountry Campsite (10,065’)

• There are two designated sites located 4.85 miles from the Fern Lake Trailhead in a spruce-fir stand east of Odessa Lake on the north side of its outlet stream. The sites are located just over the log bridge crossing of this stream. One bear box is available. Water is available year-round from Odessa Lake and its outlet stream.

Directions to Trailhead

Fern Lake is accessed from the Fern Lake Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park.

The Fern Lake Trailhead is located 4.1 miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. Immediately after the entrance station, turn left on Bear Lake Road and travel 2 miles to Moraine Park Road. Turn right on Moraine Park Road and follow signs to the Cub Lake Trailhead. Continue past the Cub Lake Trailhead until it dead-ends at the Fern Lake Trailhead.

Contact Information

Rocky Mountain National Park
Visitor Information:
970.586.1206

Backcountry Office:
970.586.1242

Campground Reservations:
800.365.2267