Kent Dannen - Best Easy Day Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park

From the trailhead, hike south on the Cub Lake Trail, among the richest in the park for the wildflowers and wildlife seen

along its length. For much of its route across the level floor of Moraine Park, the trail is extremely easy to walk. Spoiled by the initial easiness of the trail, hikers may think the last 0.5 mile is rather steep.

Jammed with innumerable opportunities for close-up photos, the Cub Lake Trail is not notable for its scenery, compared with much of the rest of the park. Low scenery potential and extensive opportunities for studying the small, intimate details that are abundant along the way to Cub Lake make this an ideal trail for cloudy-day hiking. Insect repellent may be beneficial.

A December 2012 wildfire actually improved much wildflower habitat by opening former forest to sunlight. The wetlands through which the trail initially passes is recovering as new growth rises from the roots of burned water birch. Rare wood lilies, their bulbs hidden beneath the ground, also emerged again to display their spotted orange grandeur.

The best view is looking toward Stones Peak from the east end of the lake, which is reached after 2.3 miles. Although the 2012 forest fire did nothing to help the vista, the vegetation growing back exemplifies plant succession after a fire or other disturbance. The water lilies on the lakes surface denote the gradual filling in of Cub Lake. Baby mallards among the lily pads are delightful; the lakes leeches (which dont prey on humans) are less lovely.

Another 1.4 miles beyond Cub Lake, the trail meets the Fern Lake Trail, forming a circle route of 6.3 miles, including nearly a mile of road walking between the Cub and Fern Lake Trailheads.

The first 2 miles of the Fern Lake Trail follow whitewater on an easy grade along the Big Thompson River to a quiet spot below a timber bridge buttressed by granite outcrops.

Start: Fern Lake Trailhead

Hiking time: 3 hours

Distance: 3.4 miles out-and-back

Difficulty: Easy

Trail surface: Dirt

Best season: Summer

Other trail users: Equestrians

Canine compatibility: Dogs are prohibited

Fees and permits: No fees besides park entrance fee

Trail contacts: Rocky Mountain National Park Backcountry Office, 1000 US Hwy 36, Estes Park; (970) 5861242; www.nps.gov/romo

Maps: Trails Illustrated Rocky Mountain National Park; USGS McHenrys Peak

Highlights: Arch Rocks, The Pool

Wildlife: Mule deer, chipmunk, red squirrel, water ouzel

Fern Lake Trailhead elevation: 8,155 feet

The Pool elevation: 8,320 feet

Finding the trailhead: From the Beaver Meadows entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park on US 36, drive 0.2 mile to Bear Lake Road. Turn left and follow Bear Lake Road for 1.2 miles, then turn right toward Moraine Park Campground. Drive another 0.5 mile and turn left just before reaching the campground. The pavement ends after 1.2 miles; continue another 2 miles to the end of the unpaved road. GPS: N40 21.294 / W105 37.854