It’s possible that the only time you’ll spend in Moraine Park is while driving through the area, headed for somewhere else. Even if that’s the case, you should stop for just a few minutes, to enjoy Moraine Park’s meadows, surrounded by jagged mountain peaks.
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Moraine Park is located along Bear Lake Road, about a mile inside the park, and just south of US 36. There’s a visitor center here, that’s open during the summer. You can also camp here — Moraine Park offers one of Rocky Mountain National Park’s five drive-in campgrounds. Reservations are required.
The Big Thompson River flows through Moraine Park, on its way into Estes Park. Follow the small side road that runs alongside the river for a mile or so, and you’ll locate the Fern Lake Trailhead. A 7.7 mile (round trip) hike will take you past a couple of waterfalls, to Fern Lake.
Continue on Bear Lake Road for another 7 miles, until the road ends at the Bear Lake Trailhead.