Lake Helene

Lake Helene is a pristine alpine lake cradled at 10,600 feet beneath the towering walls of Notchtop Mountain, Flattop Mountain, and Ptarmigan Point in Rocky Mountain National Park. The 6.2-mile round-trip hike from Bear Lake Trailhead rewards visitors with one of the most dramatic lake settings in the park — and fewer crowds than nearby Dream Lake or Emerald Lake.

The trail begins at Bear Lake, one of the most popular trailheads in Rocky Mountain National Park. Follow the paved path to the Flattop Mountain Trail junction, bear right toward Odessa Lake, and continue about three miles through subalpine forest and open meadows until the unmarked spur trail drops down to Lake Helene's shoreline. The turnoff is easy to miss since there is no sign — look for a downed tree across a side path just before the trail begins its descent toward Odessa Gorge. If you reach the steep drop into the gorge, you have gone too far.

The hike gains approximately 1,300 feet of elevation and is rated moderate. Most visitors complete the round trip in three to four hours. The trail passes Two Rivers Lake along the way, which makes a worthwhile side stop. From the shore of Lake Helene, the views are spectacular: 12,129-foot Notchtop Mountain rises directly above the north shore, with Knobtop Mountain to the right, Flattop to the south, and the frozen cascade of Grace Falls visible just over the ridge in winter months.

Wildlife sightings are common along the route. Visitors have spotted moose near the lake, marmots on the rocky slopes, and ptarmigan in the alpine meadows. The trail sees far less foot traffic than the Bear Lake corridor below, especially on early morning starts.

Fishing is permitted at Lake Helene under catch-and-release-only regulations. No bait or worms are allowed. The lake holds small populations of trout, though cold temperatures and limited spawning habitat mean fish numbers are modest. Most visitors come for the scenery and the hike rather than the fishing.

Winter and spring hiking to Lake Helene requires proper preparation. Snow can pack the trail from October through June, and wind drifts frequently obscure the route along exposed sections. Microspikes or crampons are essential during snow season, and snowshoes are useful for exploring around the lake itself. Winds can be fierce above treeline, so bring layers regardless of the forecast.

A Rocky Mountain National Park entrance fee or annual pass is required. During peak summer months, the Bear Lake parking lot fills early — often by 8:00 AM — and the free park shuttle is strongly recommended. Dogs are not permitted on the trail.