Cub Lake

Estes Park, Colorado

5.0/5

based on 2 reviews

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Details

Distance

5.27 miles

Elevation Gain

771 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Ryan Mckinney

Cub Lake in Rocky Mountain NP offers amazing wildlife viewing opportunities and excellent fly fishing in the Big Thompson River.

Rocky Mountain National Park showcases 355 miles of hiking trails, 6 campgrounds, and hundreds of backcountry camp sites.

Cub Lake is an excellent trail for viewing wildlife. There are small ponds that you will pass on this trail that are great locations for spotting elk, mule deer, and moose. The majority of this trail is easy but slightly steepens towards the end. Cub Lake Trail is very well marked and maintained. It is difficult to explore the shoreline of Cub Lake because of the fallen timber that surrounds the lake.

Moraine Park is a great basecamp for preparing for this adventure.

PERMITS & RESERVATIONS:

Camping: Be sure to obtain a backcountry camping permit from the Backcountry Office, which is adjacent to the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on the east side of the park. Permits can also be reserved at Recreation.Gov. This fee does not include the Park entrance fee
National Park Entrance: 1-day entrance; 7-day entrance; America the Beautiful Pass
Timed entry reservation -- these are in effect in RMNP end of May through mid October

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Cub Lake Reviews

Rachael Westergard

Cub Lake

08/10/20

We saw so many elk on this trail! Keep your eyes out, because there may be some nearby! Beautiful trail, perfect to see wildlife.

5.0

Explorer

Haley Baker

Explorer

Cub Lake

09/12/16

We haven't done much hiking in Moraine Park, but after this hike that's bound to change. Cub Lake is absolutely gorgeous and the scenery feels so much different than the rest of the park (on the Bear Lake side). It was an easy walk and we didn't see many people on our way out - but we did see lots of animals! Be sure to get an early start so you can get a parking spot and have the same sort of wildlife luck - a coyote, a moose, and two elk harems!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Cub Lake

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Cub Lake Reviews

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Nearby

Winter Camp at Moraine Park

Camp at Moraine Park

Odessa Lake via Fern Lake Trailhead

Photograph Elk in Moraine Park

Rocky Mountain NP's Trail Ridge Road

Hike Deer Mountain

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