Bear Lake — Attraction in Estes Park

Wedding/Elopement photographer here!

Bear Lake is an incredible spot for elopement & engagement photos! Without having to walk long distances, you'll have an incredible view of Longs Peak in the distance, as well as high elevation fir trees that are absolutely beautiful.

It's a very easy walk around the entire lake (maybe 25-35 minutes if you're really taking your time), and the surrounding area is full of great views & connecting trails to higher elevation views & terrain. The Bear Lake loop trail itself has very little to no elevation gain, and can be done easily by just about anyone.

I'd highly suggest getting here at sunrise in the summer months as it will be very, very, busy every day of the week, and the lot will fill up if you show up later in the morning. For winter months (Mid-November-Mid May) you really won't have to worry about full lots except on weekends, and though it's not nearly as trafficked as the summer months.

Just A Note:

You are required to have a permit if you're going to take photos here. It's $300 for a wedding permit, and $50 for a general photoshoot. Wedding/elopement ceremonies are also not allowed from late May to Mid-October, but you can always take portraits here after you have a...

The drive is so scenic to this amazing lake. If you are planning to go in winter as I did, make sure you have sturdy boots. The ice is very slippery unlike other spots. There are few trails where you can further venture out from the bear creek trail to experience fresh pristine snow on the mountains. Summer would be an ideal time to visit Bear Lake as you get to go on the Trail Ridge Road which connects the Bear Lake to the Grand Lake. Going on Thanksgiving did not get us disappointed. In fact it was mesmerizing and the crowd is lot less compared to the peak summer time. The daily pass to this place is 20$, weekly pass for 30$ while the annual pass is for 60$. Smoking is illegal as well as using the drone to capture the scenic place is banned. Do visit Estes park which comes on the way to the Bear Lake. Though this is not the time when snow starts, be prepared to drive on a snowy road. There was an unexpected snow when we got back from the Rockies. It can be a daunting and risky experience to drive in that weather. Be prepared to enjoy the scenic place and...

Bear Lake is absolutely beautiful. It is by far the most popular area in Rocky Mountain National Park and for good reason. The views are spectacular. There is a series of hikes starting at Bear Lake all with different difficulty available year round! It is an awesome spot to snowshoe in the the winter and a magnificent place to hike in the summer. There is a nature trail almost completely flat that surrounds the lake so visitors can take in a spectacular 360 degree view. Bear Lake is ALWAYS busy giving it four stars. If explorers are not there very early (by at the latest 7:00 AM sometimes), parking will not be available at the trail head. There are buses that have large parking lots along Bear Lake Road up to the lake and a shuttle that runs from Estes Park to here for the not so early risers. The views from Dream Lake are worth it for any that are up for a semi short hike. The picture in this post is of Dream Lake and it does not do the...