Bierstadt Lake

Bierstadt Lake

Circle around to the northwest shore of this lake for outstanding photo opportunities of the monarch of Rocky Mountain National Park. Named after the German artist who painted many beautiful scenes of the American West, Bierstadt Lake is an easy destination within beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park. Several switchbacks make for a gentle grade to this quiet lake, with its impressive view to the south of the monarch of the Park, Longs Peak. It makes a good hike for families, with lots of chances to see Park wildlife. The trail can be a bit hot on a summer afternoon, as it climbs a moraine through open forests and a couple of life zones. Mule deer are frequent visitors in the aspen forest; while higher up, these give way to lodge pole pines where gray jays, known as camp robbers, visit the hiker at every stop. Finally, the kids will be interested in the families of ducks cruising the lake, and in the inevitable chipmunks searching for handouts around the shore. For the best photo-op of Longs Peak, circle around to the lake’s northwest corner.

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