RMNP - Bierstadt Lake

Easily my favorite of our Rocky Mountain National Park winter hikes. 

For Day 2, we rented equipment. Most recent reviews in AllTrails described the trails as well-packed, so snow shoes weren't necessary. Microspikes, however, were recommended on most trails, especially those leading up to any falls, which we intended to see. So we rented ourselves some microspikes - and our lives were forever changed. 

a little off-kilter yet at the bottom :)

The good folks at Estes Park Mountain Shop helped us in & out in a flash, with these amazing microspikes. They're so simple to stretch over your shoes and provide amazing security on sleek snowy surfaces. That feeling of your foot squeaking off the packed snow as you step off your foot - gone. 

They were invaluable for the climb. 

We cruised steadily along the switchback up the hillside, with incredible views every step of the way. 

Once at the top of the hill, the trail opened into a level pine glade like something out of a fairy tale. Something like the way to grandmother's house. Where you'd expect to see the Woodsman, or the Big Bad Wolf, depending on your perspective...

There were plenty of opportunities to trudge through the snow to see the lake, which was covered in snow and presumably frozen solid. This area was considerably windier than the trail. We a pair of folks setting up what we thought was a ludicrous picnic blanket. Later realized it was probably ice sailing. 

A variety of animal trails were easy to spot in the snow, as were the refuse piles from woodpeckers just chipping away at the reddish bark of the trees. 

On our way down, we breezed past folks who appeared to be struggling with their snow shoes clattering along the trail. I was thankful for our gear choices. Microspikes are also much easier to stash your pack should you find them unnecessary. 

We still had some fight left in us when we were done, so we stopped at Sprague Lake on our way out of the park. We saw a park ranger lead a group out onto the middle of the frozen lake, so this time we were confident in following suit. 

We got to witness some ice sailing, saw a vacated ice fishing hole, and the first (and only) running water of the entire visit. It was a quick, easy, scenic stroll to finish off the hike. 

All told, a nicely challenging hike worth 10x the effort for those incredible vistas. I would love to come back some time to see it the greenery version!

More pics of the ascent and woodland stroll can be found here!