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Fern Lake Trail

Intermediate Intermediate
 4.1 (36)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Rocky Mountain National Park
  5. Moraine Park
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“A two-faced (easy, then very hard) trail that leads to a stunning waterfall and serene alpine lake. ”

Brian Smith
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Map Key

3.5

Miles

5.7

KM

Point to Point

9,466' 2,885 m

High

8,151' 2,485 m

Low

1,341' 409 m

Up

27' 8 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

24%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

From the Fern Lake Trailhead, begin along the relatively flat trail paralleling the Big Thompson River. The canyon through which this trail runs is stunning - the northern wall rises abruptly over 1,000 feet above the valley floor.

Just under two miles from the trailhead, the Fern Lake Trail crosses the river and is met by the Moraine Park Cub Lake Trail from the south. Near this intersection there is a bridge over the Big Thompson River that is not far from the Arch Rocks or Old Forest Inn campgrounds. The bridge provides a beautiful look at the Big Thompson River as it passes over a small waterfall and under this bridge, coursing out into the meadow in Moraine Park. Enjoy the view down the river!

From here, the gradual meandering character of the trail is now replaced by steepening grades as it heads up the Fern Creek Drainage.

After an initial contouring ascent, the trail begins a series of switchbacks as the terrain steepens. After two large switchbacks the Fern Creek Falls, which you've surely been hearing, will come into view. Take a moment, or many moments, to enjoy the sheer power of the cascades before hiking up the final portion of trail to Fern Lake.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Rocky Mountain National Park

Shared By:

Brian Smith
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 36 votes

#1

in Moraine Park

#157

Overall
  4.1 from 36 votes
5 Star
31%
4 Star
53%
3 Star
17%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Moraine Park

#39

in Colorado

#157

Overall
13 Views Last Month
5,429 Since Jan 19, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
3%
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6%
18%
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Photos

Great view of the Big Thompson River.
Jul 20, 2016 near Estes Park, CO
Big Thompson River Waterfall
Apr 16, 2018 near Estes Park, CO
This beauty was gushing!
May 23, 2016 near Estes Park, CO
Fern Falls was flowing very strong from snow melt
Jun 30, 2019 near Estes Park, CO
Fern Falls!
Sep 10, 2019 near Estes Park, CO
River view on a bridge
Apr 16, 2018 near Estes Park, CO

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Check-Ins

Sep 7, 2022
Robert Luck
follows the Big Thompson toward it's origin and takes you to Fern Lake and spruce pond カット
Jul 1, 2022
Su Jin Kim
Jun 11, 2022
Sandy Oaks
A majority of the trail passes through a recent fire zone. The lack of shade means you gotta bring more water. Harder than it looks. 7.5mi
Apr 24, 2022
Jody Rae
Aug 19, 2020
Andrew Blank
2h 15m
Aug 16, 2020
Jeff Brock
Hard stretch up to fern lake but beautiful lake
Aug 1, 2020
Shane Hoss
Made it to Fern Lake
Jul 13, 2020
Paula M

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