Lake Helene Hike – Hidden Gem in Rocky Mountain National Park

Looking for a peaceful alpine lake that isn’t crawling with people in summer? The Lake Helene hike might just be one of the best-kept secrets in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP).

HIKE TO: Lake Helene
TRAIL: Bear Lake Trail > Flattop Mountain Trail > Fern Lake Trail
TRAILHEAD: Bear Lake Trailhead
MILES: 6.6 miles out and back
TIME: 4 hrs
DATE I FIRST WENT: 5/30/25 
DIFFICULTY: moderate
ELEVATION: 10,591 ft
ELEVATION GAIN: 1,308 ft
HIKE PERMIT: no
PARK PERMIT: yes — I recommend getting an annual National Parks Pass
PARK RESERVATIONS: yes — required from May - Oct
LOCATION: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Tucked behind Flattop Mountain, this moderate trail is an underrated gem with jaw-dropping views of Notchtop Mountain, Ptarmigan Point, and a dreamy alpine basin that often flies under the radar. While many visitors rush to more popular destinations like Dream Lake and Emerald Lake, Lake Helene via Bear Lake offers similar beauty with a fraction of the crowds—especially in the shoulder seasons.

Grab your day pack, strap on your waterproof hiking boots, and let’s hike to your new favorite alpine lake!

Lake Helene Trail Conditions (Late Spring Update)

I just hiked the Fern Lake Trail to Lake Helene yesterday and as of May 30 2025, most of the trail is still covered in snow past the first 0.75 miles. The junction to Flattop Mountain and Fern Lake marks the start of full snow coverage. The snow was firm early in the morning, but we definitely post-holed a few times on the return hike as things softened quickly.

We reached snow about 20 minutes into our hike.

The weather was surprisingly warm despite strong winds, and lower portions of the trail were melting fast. With consistent warm weather ahead, the trail should clear up more in the next few weeks—but for now, expect snow travel.

💡 Pro Tip: If it didn’t freeze overnight at the trailhead elevation, start extra early or expect slushy, unstable snow by mid-morning. Gaiters, microspikes, and trekking poles are highly recommended.

Why Hike to Lake Helene?

Fewer crowds: Lake Helene is a hidden gem in RMNP and still feels peaceful, even on weekends.
Jaw-dropping views: The backdrop of Notchtop Mountain is iconic, especially with lingering snowfields.
Trail variety: Forested paths, creek crossings, alpine meadows—this one packs it in.
Wildlife potential: Marmots, pika, elk, and even moose sightings are common in the summer.

Trail Overview: Lake Helene via Bear Lake

The hike to Lake Helene RMNP starts from the Bear Lake Trailhead, one of the most accessible (and yes, most popular) trailheads in Rocky Mountain National Park—so plan to get there early, especially on weekends.

Right from the start, you’ll hit a junction just after crossing a small bridge. The left fork leads to Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha (aka the Insta-famous trio), while the right fork is your path toward Bear Lake, Flattop Mountain, Fern Lake, Bierstadt Lake, and Lake Helene via Bear Lake. Choose right.

In less than a minute, you’ll pass Bear Lake (just 256 ft from the trailhead, sitting at 9,475 ft elevation), and within about two minutes, you’ll reach the Flattop Mountain Trail, which cuts off to the right. Follow this trail through a shaded forest, with occasional views of Bierstadt Moraine, and expect full snow coverage in spring—though things typically dry out by mid-late June.

At the half-mile mark, you’ll hit your first signed junction:

Left takes you toward Odessa Lake, Flattop Mountain, and Fern Lake
Right leads to Bierstadt Lake and Mill Creek Basin
Stay left here.

Heads up: you won’t see any trail signs for Lake Helene. As I mentioned earlier, this is one of RMNP’s less-visited and more hidden alpine lakes, so don’t expect it to be labeled at every, or any, junction.

From here, continue another half mile (1 mile from the trailhead) to reach the Flattop/Fern Lake junction at 9,974 ft. Stick to the trail heading toward Fern Lake (Lake Helene sits just before it).

The trail gently veers west, passing Two Rivers Lake and climbing slightly toward your destination. Lake Helene sits at 10,591 ft, nestled in a rocky basin beneath Notchtop Mountain and other dramatic peaks. This stretch is just over 2 miles and brings you close to the lake—though you’ll need to make a short detour off the main trail to actually reach the shoreline (about 500 ft off-trail).

Trail note: Because Lake Helene isn’t directly marked on signs, some hikers miss it entirely—especially if there’s snow cover. In spring conditions, the trail can be hard to follow and snow can hide the subtle side path to the lake. We ended up post-holing off trail on the way to the lake after following someone else’s tracks (whoops). If you’re hiking while there’s still snow, definitely download a GPX track. I’d recommend following our route on the way back, as it was way easier and avoided the deep snow pockets we hit earlier.

Once you’re done soaking it all in, return the way you came. Fair warning: by the time you get back to Bear Lake, it’s likely to be buzzing with tourists.

Lake Helene Hike Gallery

Is Lake Helene Worth Visiting in Spring?

Yes—if you’re prepared for snow travel. Hold off a few more weeks—if you’re looking for a dry trail day.

While it’s not as well-known as other RMNP hikes, Lake Helene is one of the best alpine lake hikes in Rocky Mountain when you want solitude without a brutal climb. Personally, I feel like it’s very underrated—but I’m here for it.

If you’re looking for a less-traveled spring adventure before peak tourist season hits, this is your moment.

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Spring Hiking Tips for Rocky Mountain National Park

Spring can be tricky—here’s what you need to know before attempting snow-covered hikes like Lake Helene:

Start early. Firm snow = less post-holing.
Check overnight lows. If temps stay above freezing, expect soft, slushy conditions.
Bring traction gear. Microspikes weren’t handy for our hiking conditions as the snow was firm but soft which turned into slush, but I packed it regardless and always do for winter and spring hikes in case snowy trails are icy.
Gaiters are helpful if you are not wearing waterproof hiking pants
Pack for changing weather. Windproof layers saved the day on our trip.
Use trekking poles. For balance and testing snow stability.

Final Thoughts: Lake Helene is a Hidden Gem in RMNP

Whether you’re snow trekking in late spring or looking for a scenic summer hike without the crowds, Lake Helene in Rocky Mountain National Park delivers big. With classic alpine scenery and peaceful vibes, it’s one of the most underrated hikes in the park—perfect if you’re craving something a little more secret, a little less touristy, and a lot more rewarding.

Planning Your RMNP Adventure?

Check the latest trail conditions here: NPS Trail Conditions – RMNP
And don’t forget to reserve your timed-entry pass if visiting between May 23, 2025 and October 19, 2025. This trail requires an entry permit with access to Bear Lake Road. Click here for reservations page.

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👉 [Learn more about my custom trip planning service here] – and feel free to reach out with questions!
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Tiffany

Tiff, the owner and author of Follow Tiff’s Journey, is a California/ Colorado-based adventurer and outdoor connoisseur who divides her heart between the Eastern Sierra Mountains and the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Despite her fear of heights, she’s become a seasoned mountaineer, ultralight hiking and backcountry camping enthusiast, expert road trip planner, and a fervent explorer of alpine lakes, natural hot springs, and sandstone canyons.

With 10 years of experience exploring the outdoors, her blog is your go-to source for all things wilderness, offering invaluable insights and pro tips, essential gear recommendations, and awe-inspiring stories from her adventures.

Join Tiff on her quest to share the wonders of nature and inspire others to follow their own path in the great outdoors.