RMNP - Odessa Lake from Bear Lake…via Flattop Mtn & Fern Lake Trails

FEES. Due to the government shutdown, there should be no fees to get into the park and no timed entry necessary. So it’s FREE right now…which might also mean busier than normal this time of year. If you have the America the Beautiful Pass, bring it just in case.

We hike as a group and hike at an average moving pace of about 2.5mph. Although the group may split up due to different hiking paces, everyone is expected to wait at all intersections & periodically otherwise so that we can regroup and so no one is left behind or hiking on their own for safety purposes. We will plan to take a break at Odessa Lake & we will stop as needed along the way for water, snacks, pictures, etc.

Difficulty: about 9 miles and about 2,000 feet elevation gain. Highest elevation is about 10,700 feet.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: Beginning at the Bear Lake Trailhead, we will hike past Bear Lake, then will take the side trails to Two Rivers Lake & Lake Helene…and finally our final destination Odessa Lake. We will have spectacular lake and mountain views along this scenic hike. The alpine scenery is striking as towering mountain peaks seem to rise right up in front of us. We will be doing the following hike in alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/odessa-lake-via-fern-lake-trail--3

DOGS: NO DOGS. RMNP 🚫 does not allow dogs in the park.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the BEAR LAKE TRAILHEAD in the Park. To get to the Bear Lake Trailhead, you can click on the alltrails link above. Or if you have Google maps or Apple Maps, you can type in “Bear Lake Trailhead” for directions.

We wait 5 minutes for late arrivals…but no longer as that is inconsiderate to those arriving timely. So please allow extra time to get to the trailhead.

IMPORTANT: This is a participate at your own risk event! Life is risky. I am not a professional guide and am simply hosting this event. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are capable of performing this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.

NO SHOWS: If you are a no-show to 2 hikes, you will be booted from this meetup group. So please change your RSVP to “not going” if you are unable to make it.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Water, snacks, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, gloves, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential.

WEATHER: Here is the NOAA forecast for the hike location. For hourly temps, wind, precipitation, etc., click “Hourly Weather Forecast” in the upper right. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=40.3303&lon=-105.6854

REQUIRED WAIVER: If you have not already done so, you must sign the updated waiver with our new meetup name prior to this hike. I will have copies at the trailhead that you can sign or you may print, sign, and bring it with you from the following website: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p728z28jjuwdzws/Waiver%20Corona.pdf?dl=0
If you choose to sign at the trailhead, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike timely.