Things to know about driving the Fern Lake Road in Rocky Mountain NP

Fern Lake Road is a very scenic drive located in Larimer County, in the US state of Colorado.

Fern Lake Road

Where is Fern Lake Road?

The road is located between the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake, in the northern part of Colorado within the Rocky Mountain National Park.

How long is Fern Lake Road in Rocky Mountain NP?

Fern Lake Road is 4.34km (2.7 miles) long, running from Bear Lake Road to a parking lot, at the beginning of Fern Lake Trailhead, at 2.484m (8,149ft) above sea level.

Is Fern Lake Road in Rocky Mountain NP unpaved?

The road is pretty narrow running along the north side of the Moraine Park meadows. It starts paved and becomes dirt at the Cub Lake trailhead. The last 0.7 miles are narrower, wide enough for one vehicle only, and end at a rather small parking area holding 15 to 20 vehicles though there are several overflow parking places a little way back. Parking during the summer season is very limited. It's best to utilize the Hiker Shuttle. Avoid parking along the road as this damages the roadside, and vehicles will be ticketed.

Is Fern Lake Road in Rocky Mountain NP open year-round?

Set high in the Rocky Mountains, the last mile of the road to the alpine lake trailhead is closed in winter.
Pic: Johnny Metelsky

 

 

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