Bierstadt Lake, Glacial lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, US
The Bierstadt Lake sits atop a lateral moraine at an elevation of 9,400 feet, surrounded by dense pine forests and mountain peaks of the Continental Divide.
The lake formed thousands of years ago when debris from the receding Bartholf Glacier created a natural dam, resulting in water accumulation on the moraine.
Native Americans referred to this water body as Hanging Lake before it received its current name in 1932, honoring the landscape painter Albert Bierstadt.
Visitors can reach the lake through two primary trails: a moderate 2-mile path from Bear Lake Trailhead or a steeper route from Bierstadt Lake Trailhead.
The lake collects only rainwater and melting snow, with no streams flowing in or out, creating an isolated water system atop the forested moraine.
Location: Larimer County
GPS coordinates: 40.32667,-105.62500
Latest update: April 14, 2025 11:38
Longs Peak
8 km
Mount Meeker
8.9 km
The Baldpate Inn
8 km
Bear Lake Trailhead
2.4 km
Beaver Meadows Visitor Center
7 km
Andrews Glacier
6.6 km
Agnes Vaille Shelter
7.3 km
Tyndall Glacier
6 km
Flattop Mountain Trail
4.7 km
East Longs Peak Trail – Longs Peak Trail – Keyhole Route – Shelf Trail
6.4 km
Fern Lake Trail
3.2 km
Moraine Park Museum and Amphitheater
5 km
Taylor Peak
7.5 km
Snogo Snow Plow
7 km
Fern Lake Patrol Cabin
4.5 km
William Allen White Cabins
4.9 km
Glacier Basin Campground Ranger Station
2.5 km
Rocky Mountain National Park Utility Area Historic District
6.9 km
Moraine Park Discovery Center
5 km
Lily Lake
7.5 km
Alberta Falls
2.8 km
Fern Falls
4.3 km
Chasm Meadow Patrol Cabin
7.8 km
Fall River Visitor Center
9 km
Sheep Lakes Information Station
8.7 km
Glacier Basin Campground
2.5 km
Many Parks Curve
6.8 km
Sheep Lakes Turnout
8.7 kmReviews
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