Elkhorn Hot Springs | Dillon

The Cub Lake Trail is a hiking path located within Rocky Mountain National Park, near Estes Park, Colorado.

Visual Characteristics

The trail traverses a mixed conifer forest, primarily lodgepole pine and spruce, with sections of aspen groves. The path is generally unpaved, consisting of packed earth and rock. Cub Lake itself is a small, shallow body of water surrounded by dense vegetation and granite outcrops. The elevation gain is moderate, with the trail reaching approximately 8,000 feet above sea level.

Location & Access Logistics

The trailhead is situated off Bear Lake Road, approximately 7.5 miles south of the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. Access to Bear Lake Road is restricted during peak season (late May through mid-October) and requires a timed entry permit or a vehicle with a reservation. Parking is available at the Cub Lake Trailhead parking area, which has a capacity of approximately 30 vehicles. During periods of restricted access, shuttle bus service operates from the Estes Park Visitor Center and the Park & Ride lot on Highway 36. The Cub Lake Trailhead is served by the Hiker Shuttle route.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The trail follows a natural drainage system that has been shaped by glacial activity over millennia. The area is part of the montane and subalpine ecological zones of the Rocky Mountains. The trail itself was established as part of the park's early trail system, developed to provide access to natural features for visitors.

Key Highlights & Activities

Hiking the Cub Lake Trail is the primary activity. The trail leads to Cub Lake, offering opportunities for wildlife observation, including elk, deer, and various bird species. Photography is possible along the trail and at the lake. The trail is generally considered moderate in difficulty.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the Cub Lake Trailhead parking area. There is no developed infrastructure at Cub Lake itself. Cell phone signal is intermittent to non-existent along the trail and at the lake. No food vendors are present along the trail or at the trailhead.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for hiking is from late June through September, when snow has typically melted from the trail. Morning hours, between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM, offer softer lighting for photography and a higher probability of observing wildlife. Afternoon temperatures can be warmer, and thunderstorms are common in July and August.

Facts & Legends

The name "Cub Lake" is attributed to early park rangers who reported seeing bear cubs near the lake. A specific tip for visitors is to be aware of potential afternoon thunderstorms, especially during the summer months, and to carry rain gear.

Nearby Landmarks

• Bear Lake (1.5km Northwest)
• Sprague Lake (2.0km North)
• Alberta Falls (2.5km Northeast)
• Emerald Lake Trailhead (3.0km Northwest)
• Glacier Gorge Trailhead (3.5km Northeast)