Hiking Rocky Mountain: Cub Lake Trail Guide
Enjoy a quiet & peaceful hike to Cub Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park with this complete trail guide. Featuring everything you need to know before you go.
If you’re looking for a quiet and laidback trail in Rocky Mountain National Park, then look no further than Cub Lake. This 6 mile fairly moderate trail is a stunning walk through the valley of Moraine Park, up to Cub Lake where you might spot a moose grazing on aquatic plants.
After hiking the incredibly popular Bear Lake trail system to Bear, Nymph, Dream, Emerald, and Lake Haiyaha, we were ready for a less crowded trail to explore.
It’s important to note that while this trail may be far less crowded than some of Rocky Mountains other hikes, ( we only encounter 4 groups on the entire trail ), you will still need a reservation for Bear Lake Corridor and possibly even take the park’s shuttle service if there is no parking available at the trailhead. However, there was plenty of parking when we arrived on a mid morning summer day.
The trailhead itself starts at 8,000 feet, so those visiting from lower elevations may have some difficulty on this trail. Remember bring plenty of water, snacks, sun protectant, and take your time.
This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
TRAIL STATS
Distance: 6.0 Miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation Gain: 744 FT | Time: 3 Hrs
GETTING TO CUB LAKE
The Cub Lake trailhead is located next to the Moraine Park Campground and Fern Lake trailhead in the Bear Lake Corridor. There are several parking lots in the area, as well as, shuttle stops if you didn’t want to drive into the park.
BEAVER MEADOWS EAST ENTRANCE
From the east entrance at Beaver Meadows is 4.5 miles or a 15 minute drive to Cub Lake trailhead. Once you enter the park, head west on Park Entrance Road. Make a left onto Bear Lake Road. Head south for 1.3 miles until you reach Moraine Park Campground Road. Make a right onto Moraine Park Camground Road and then a left onto Fern Lake Road. Cub Lake trailhead will be on the left in 1.3 miles.
FALL RIVER EAST ENTRANCE
From the east entrance at Fall River it’s 10 miles or about a 20 minute drive to the Cub Lake trailhead. Once you enter the park, head west on Fall River Road for 4.3 miles. Make a left on to US 36/ Park Entrance Rd and continue for 3 miles. Make a right on to Bear Lake Road and continue for 1.3 miles until you reach Moraine Park Campground Road. Make a right onto Moraine Park Camground Road and then a left onto Fern Lake Road. Cub Lake trailhead will be on the left in 1.3 miles.
KAWUNEECHE WEST ENTRANCE
From the west entrance at Kawuneeche, it’s 44 miles or about a 1.5 hour drive to the Cub Lake trailhead. Once you enter the park, take Trail Ridge Road north for 40 miles. Make a right on to Bear Lake Road and continue for 1.3 miles until you reach Moraine Park Campground Road. Make a right onto Moraine Park Camground Road and then a left onto Fern Lake Road. Cub Lake trailhead will be on the left in 1.3 miles.
See our Complete Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park for details on the parks reservation system, entrance fees, shuttle bus, & more.
CUB LAKE.
WHAT TO BRING
Plenty of Water
Be sure to pack extra water and stay hydrated while exploring. We love adding LMNT’s electrolyte packets to our insulated water bottles to stay hydrated for the whole day.
Hiking Shoes
While there are many easy paths to explore in Rocky Mountain there are a few trails that are rocky and steep. To have the most comfortable experience on the trails we recommend wearing a proper hiking shoe or boot to provide good traction and support.
Sun Protectant
Weather can be unpredictable in the park so it’s best to bring your favorite sunscreen and wear sun protectant clothing when exploring.
Hiking Sticks
These have been a LIFE SAVER. Hiking sticks are so helpful in giving you extra support as you climb up steep trails as well as coming down steep trails. They provide extra stability and we no longer hike without them.
First Aid Kit
It’s never a bad idea to carry a small first aid kit while exploring in Rocky Mountain. Cell service doesn’t really exist in the park so it’s good to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Crampons
In case there’s snow on the trails, it’s a good idea to carry a pair of crampons so you don’t slip on ice or snow.
Jacket
Temperatures at higher elevations can be 10 to 15 degrees cooler so its not a bad idea to carry a warm jacket with you.
Lunch / Snacks
It is highly recommended to pick a lunch and snacks when exploring Rocky Mountain. The only food option available inside Rocky Mountain National Park is the Trail Ridge Store located at the top of Trail Ridge Road.
ON THE TRAIL.
ABOUT THE TRAIL
Distance: 6.0 Miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation Gain: 744 FT | Time: 3 Hrs
To begin your adventure to Cub Lake, head to the Cub Lake Parking Lot, located next to the Moraine Park Campground on Fern Lake Road. The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge over Big Thompson River. Already, the views are absolutely gorgeous as you walk through a thriving valley of streams, blooming plant life, and surrounded by mountain views.
ON THE TRAIL.
Half a mile into the trail, you’ll come up to the Cub Lake / South Lateral Moraine Park Junction, where you will make a right and continue on toward Cub Lake. The path starts to gain elevation as you make your way through the valley.
In the summer, brightly colored flowers can be found scattered throughout the trail with a good possibility of seeing tiny chipmunks scavenging for food.
The next mile of the trail is a strenuous climb through a lush forest of quaking aspens with an elevation gain of around 500 feet. If you are looking to backpack, you’ll find Cub Creek Primitive Campground off to the right just before you reach Cub Lake.
ON THE TRAIL.
About 2.5 miles into the trail, you will arrive to Cub Lake. There were only 2 other groups at the lake! We spotted a moose having some lunch off in the distance which made for truly unforgettable experience. You’ll notice the impact this area had from the 2012 fire at Fern Lake. However it’s still an incredible sight to see.
CUB LAKE.
MOOSE AT CUB LAKE.
The trail gains the last bit of elevation as you continue along the lake with breathtaking views of Cub Lake below. If you aren’t looking to hike the entire 6 mile loop, you could turn around here and head back down the trail.
ON THE TRAIL.
The next mile of the trail is a steep descent through a forest of burnt trees until you reach the Cub Lake/ Fern Lake Junction. From here you will cross a large wooden bridge over Big Thompson Creek. To the left is the Old Forest Inn Backcountry Campground.
ON THE TRAIL.
The next mile and a half follows Big Thompson Creek all the way to the Fern Lake parking lot. The path is flat & easy and passes by large rock boulders and dozens of blooming plant life. There is minimal shade on this part of the trail so make sure to bring a hat and sun protectant.
Once you reach the parking lot, it’s another 0.8 miles on Fern Lake Road to the Cub Lake parking lot.
Let us know in the comments if you’ve ever hike Cub Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park!
Check out our reel hiking to Cub Lake on Instagram!
READY TO HIKE ROCKY MOUNTAIN?!
SAVE THIS GUIDE FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP!
LOOKING FOR MORE COLORADO?
HEY THERE!
WE’RE MIKE & DEANDRA.
Two adventure seekers traveling the U.S in our 37 FT. travel trailer with our two companions, Griffin & Lucy. We share our life on the road and travel guides to our favorite destinations.
This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Ride passenger in an open air gondola on the scenic train ride from Durango to Cascade Canyon. Featuring when to go, what to bring, and all about our experience.