Rocky Mountain National Park's Upper Bierstadt Moraine Trail

Upper Bierstadt Moraine Trail

Description:
The Upper Bierstadt Moraine Trail begins on its west end at an elevation of 9,429 feet on the Bierstadt Loop Trail near Bierstadt Lake and descends 652 feet to the Lower Bierstadt Moraine Trail. Horses are not permitted on this trail. From the Lower Bierstadt Moraine Trail intersection it is a short descent to the Shuttle Bus Parking area.

This trail makes a moderate descent through dense lodgepole pine and aspen forest. Because of the denseness of the vegetation, views are practically non-existent. Some views are available near the end as the trail passes just north of Sprague Lake. There are some steep spots as well as level stretches along the trail. The steep sections are quite rocky due to water erosion, while the level spots are sandy and smooth. This trail travels about 1.2 miles and is easy to moderate in difficulty.

Features:

Length:	1.18 miles (1.9 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	8,642' - 8,898'
Elevation change:	385 feet
Season:	Jun 1 - Nov 1
Difficulty:	Moderate
Use:	Low
USGS maps:	Longs Peak
Trailheads:	Shuttle Bus Parking Area
Restrictions:	No pets are permitted
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted)
Suitable for horses:	No

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
The east end of the Upper Bierstadt Moraine Trail is reached via the trailhead at the shuttle bus parking area. Take Highway 36 from the Beaver Meadows Entrance to the Bear Lake Road. Follow Bear Lake Road for about 4.8 miles to the road to the shuttle bus parking area. Take the Lower Bierstadt Moraine Trail from the northwest end of the parking area for about .2 miles to the Upper Bierstadt Moraine Trail.

Order Rocky Mountain Trails CD

Return to Rocky Mountain National Park Trails