Trail Description

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Odessa Lake rests high in a steep subalpine valley defined in part by The Little Matterhorn (11,586’), The Gable (11,939’) and Joe Mills Mountain. Hikers will enjoy varied terrain and sensational alpine scenery en route to this idyllic and much celebrated lake.

The trail rises quickly over Bear Lake through young aspens that soon give way to commingled lodgepole, spruce and fir. After 1 mile (9,964’) the trail splits for Flattop Mountain and Odessa Lake – stay straight. A steady climb through 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’).

It soon eases and 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 quite visible through a thinning spruce forest, it’s not impossible to overlook it (if you turn sharply northeast and begin going downhill, you’ve gone too far). Lake Helene is a worthwhile .2 mile roundtrip excursion from the main trail.

The trail rises nominally above Lake Helene and makes a sharp, hairpin turn around the north flank of Joe Mills Mountain. From this exposed highpoint you’ll enjoy sweeping 270 degree views of an extraordinary alpine landscape. Flattop Mountain (12,324’), Ptarmigan Point (12,363’), Notchtop Mountain (12,129’), Knobtop Mountain (12,331’) and Little Matterhorn are easily identified looking south to north. The large unnamed glacier between Flattop Mountain and Ptarmigan Point is the original source of Fern Creek. Lake Helene also drains into those headwaters, which can be seen flowing in the deep valley below into Odessa Lake.

The trail drops rapidly down the talus and scree-riddled north flank of Joe Mills Mountain to the Odessa Lake junction (4.0 miles : 10,040’). No horses are allowed beyond this point in the direction of Odessa Lake. Bear left and follow the access trail and outlet stream .15 miles to Odessa Lake (4.15 miles : 10,055’).

Odessa Lake’s east shore is virtually impassable, but the north, west and south shores are easily explored along social trails. Those with extra time should consider hiking to the lake’s secluded and exceptionally attractive far west shore. Be cognizant of approaching weather and remember that you must climb 637’ toward treeline on the return hike to Bear Lake.

Worth Noting

• Lingering snow can mask the narrow trail and create hazardous footing conditions on the descent from Lake Helene to Odessa Lake. Exercise caution when traveling over these steep, rocky slopes.



• Odessa Lake is a prized backcountry camping destination with limited space. Plan your trip well in advance.

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

Directions to Trailhead

Odessa Lake is accessible 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