Are dogs allowed on Bear Lake via Horn Fork Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Bear Lake via Horn Fork Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Bear Lake via Horn Fork Trail?

No, Bear Lake via Horn Fork Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Bear Lake via Horn Fork Trail?

Bear Lake via Horn Fork Trail is rated difficult. It is 10.4 miles long with 2,625 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Colorado trail conditions

DifficultOut and Back

San Isabel National Forest/Colorado

Bear Lake via Horn Fork Trail

Buena Vista, Colorado

10.4 mi

Distance

2,625 ft

Elev. Gain

4h 44m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Difficult

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

A high altitude lake with views of mountains. The path west along North Cottonwood Creek is obvious. The trail will take you to the Horn Fork Basin after a mile and a half. The trail is easy to follow. This trip is a great overnighter because of the many established camping sites near treeline. You will find an intersection labeled for Bear Lake after about a mile after the treeline. Take the trail to the left and follow it to the lake.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:3,027 ft

Max:3,791 ft

800 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by United States Forest Service

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Managing agency

United States Forest Service
Find offices, alerts, and current orders for this agency.

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Address:CO

Reviews

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Hunt context

This trail crosses hunting units

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the Colorado hunting page

Status unknown — verify before visiting

Bear Lake via Horn Fork Trail

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Elevation Profile

Trail Details

Reviews

No reviews yet

This trail crosses hunting units

Nearby Trails

Kroenke Lake Trail

Mount Columbia via Horn Fork Basin Trail

Horn Fork Basin, Mount Harvard, Mount Colombia Loop

Mount Harvard Trail

Mount Yale via Colorado and Mount Yale East Trail

Harvard Lakes, Mount Columbia, Mount Harvard

Other trails in San Isabel National Forest

North Mount Elbert Trail

Browns Creek Waterfall Trail

Huron Peak via North Huron Trail

Mount Yale Summit Trail

Timberline Lake Trail

Mount Princeton Trail

Campgrounds near this trail

CR 306 -Dispersed Site

Collegiate Peaks

Wolf and Neerland Ditch Dispersed

Arrowhead Point Resort

Arkansas River Rim Campground

Snowy Peaks RV Park

Similar trails in Colorado

Sky Pond Trail

Flattop Mountain Trail

Longs Peak via Keyhole Route

Chasm Lake Trail

Mount Bierstadt Trail

Quandary Peak Trail