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.
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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
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
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
