Trail Description

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Lake Helene fills a shallow depression in the upper reaches of a narrowing valley beneath Flattop Mountain (12,324’), Ptarmigan Point (12,363’) and Notchtop Mountain (12,129’). Modest climbing up a well-maintained trail leads hikers of ranging abilities through Rocky Mountain’s pristine high country to this photogenic subalpine lake.

The trail rises quickly over Bear Lake through young aspens that soon give way to mixed lodgepole, spruce and fir. After 1 mile (9,964’) the trail splits for Flattop Mountain and Odessa Lake (Lake Helene is not mentioned on this sign). Stay straight and continue in the direction of Odessa Lake.

Steady climbing through serene forest is briefly interrupted by a 200 yard opening along a steep, talus strewn slope (2.3 miles : 10,436’). Steady climbing through a serene forest is briefly interrupted by a 200 yard opening along a steep, talus strewn slope (2.3 miles : 10,436’). Summer travelers will come through this easily, but off-season hikers may find routing and footing a bit tricky (it’s important that off-season hikers locate the trail here, as its route into the highcountry is less-intuitively followed beyond this point). The trail re-enters the forest (2.4 miles) and climbs past the Sourdough Backcountry Campsite at 2.65 miles (10,628’).

After topping off at 10,692’, the trail drops gently to the unmarked access spur for Lake Helene (3.05 miles : 10,663’). While cairns are usually set up and the lake is partially visible through the krummholz, it’s not impossible to overlook (if you turn sharply northeast and begin going downhill, you’ve gone too far).

Turn left down the Lake Helene access spur for .1 miles to its rocky shoreline (3.15 miles : 10,643’). Well-cut social trails circle north and west, though the best views of Lake Helene and Notchtop Mountain (12,129’) come from its busy east shore. Nimble feet will have little trouble finding the best vantage and a private nook from which to enjoy this memorable high-subalpine landscape.

To the south of Notchtop Mountain are Ptarmigan Point (12,363’) and Flattop Mountain (12,324’). The large unnamed glacier between the two is the original source of Fern Creek; Lake Helene also drains into those headwaters. The main trail continues around and down the north flank of Joe Mills Mountain (11,078’) for 1.1 miles to Odessa Lake.

Finding Two Rivers Lake:

Like its neighbor Lake Helene, Two Rivers Lake fills a shallow depression in the wide, flat valley beneath Flattop and Notchtop mountains. Two Rivers Lake is larger, arguably more attractive but considerably more difficult to reach. A boulder field churned and deposited by glacial movement separates you and the trail from this hidden gem. Though labeled and easy to find on contemporary maps, there is no trail and it’s difficult to identify through the surrounding forest.

From the Sourdough Backcountry Campsite (2.68 miles : 10,628’), begin looking through the trees and across the valley over the next 100-300 yards. Two Rivers Lake is located no more than .15 miles from this section of trail on the far-side of the valley.

Unless you can definitively spot the lake and a direct line to it (or Marigold Pond along its scenic outlet), simply drop down into the boulder field and scramble cross-valley until the landscape further reveals itself. Use boulders to survey the vicinity. Patient scrambling and a little intuition will guide you to the lake.

Two Rivers Lake is remarkably similar in shape, depth and scenery to Lake Helene, though you’re very likely to have it all by yourself.

Worth Noting

• Take note of the rapidly shrinking and thinning spruce forest in the Lake Helene vicinity; these trees exhibit stunted growth patterns characteristic of krummholz.



• This is an ideal hike for late starters or those with limited time.

Camping and Backpacking Information

Backcountry campsites are listed below.

SOURDOUGH
Distance: 2.6 miles from Bear Lake TH, 6.4 miles from Fern Lake TH
Elevation: 10,628' elevation
Number of sites: 1
Privy available: Yes
Food Storage: Bear Box available
Water Source: Early to mid-summer, water is usually available from the intermittent stream along the main trail (North Fork Mill Creek.). If this is dry, water can be obtained from some of the ponds in the area, or Two Rivers Lake. Boil or adequately treat all water.
Site Description: This site is located on the side of Joe Mills Mountain and approx. 60 yds. west of the unnamed pond visible below the trail to the north. The site is on a level bench, surrounded by conifers. A sign on the trail marks the location and red arrowheads will lead you from this point to the site itself (approx. 50 yds.). A wood sign indicates the path to the site; the path may be marked by red arrowheads on trees. Pitch tent(s) as close to the indicated site as is safely possible out of potential hazard from standing dead trees.

ODESSA LAKE
Distance: 4.1 miles from Bear Lake TH, 4.8 miles from Fern Lake TH
Elevation: 10,065' elevation
Number of sites: 2 (max of 2 tents at east site)
Privy available: Yes
Food Storage: Bear Box available
Water Source: Water is best obtained from the outlet on the east side of the lake or the lake itself. Boil or adequately treat all water.
Site Description: The sites are in a subalpine fir/spruce forest east of the lake. A bridge crosses the outlet to reach the trails to the sites. A wood sign indicates the path to the site; the path may be marked by red arrowheads on trees. Pitch tent(s) as close to the indicated site as is safely possible out of potential hazard from standing dead trees.

Fishing Information

Only catch and release fishing is permitted at Lake Helene, Two Rivers Lake and Odessa Lake.

Directions to Trailhead

Lake Helene is reached from the Bear Lake Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Directions: Bear Lake is located at the end of Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. From Estes Park, take the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station entrance into the park. There is a fee to enter the park through this entrance.

Shortly after passing through the Beaver Meadows fee station, turn left onto Bear Lake Road. Take Bear Lake Road until it dead-ends into the Bear Lake Trailhead area. If parking is unavailable at Bear Lake, it is possible to park at the Glacier Basin area and take a shuttle to Bear Lake.

Contact Information

Visitor Information:
970-586-1206

Backcountry Passes:
970-586-1242

Campground Reservations:
800-365-2267