Published September 20, 2013 03:31PM
Rocky Mountain National Park: Fern Lake and Spruce Lake via Fern Lake Trail
Get high fast on this 9.1-mile, out-and-back to Fern and Spruce lakes, which sit in gorgeous alpine valleys beneath the Little Matterhorn and several other commanding peaks.
'Fern Lake (Photo by Ed Ogle)'
Hike Fern Lake Trail
INFO For information on permits, current trail and camp conditions, and wilderness guidelines, go to nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm
PERMIT A wilderness permit is required for all overnight camping in the backcountry. Reservations accepted ($20 administrative fee for permits during peak season). nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/backcntry_guide.htm
CONTACT Rocky Mountain National Park, (970) 586-1206; nps.gov/romo
-Mapped by Kris Wagner
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 14.7
Waypoints
FLT001
Location: 40.354515, -105.630501
Fern Lake trailhead; head W along Big Thompson River
FLT002
Location: 40.352798, -105.641174
Raptors perch on the dead trees and cliffs above
FLT003
Location: 40.350552, -105.65197
Trail squeezes between Arch Rocks; white chalk marks highlight technical bouldering routes
FLT004
Location: 40.350132, -105.653084
Primitive campsites on R (backcountry permit required)
FLT005
Location: 40.349316, -105.659615
Cross bridge over small pool; veer R, climbing away from the riverbed
FLT006
Location: 40.349251, -105.663536
Log bridge crosses river braid
FLT007
Location: 40.347698, -105.66967
Fern Falls below; trail continues up shaded switchbacks
FLT008
Location: 40.342934, -105.674065
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Path passes by huge rock; Marguerite Falls softly grumbles in the woods ahead
FLT009
Location: 40.337883, -105.676147
Gorgeous views of the Little Matterhorn on the banks of Fern Lake; bear NW on trail
FLT010
Location: 40.34251, -105.686295
Spruce Lake; retrace route back to trailhead