Preview: Cub Lake-Fern Falls

High Country Hiker Group
Tuesday, May 28th.
Bus leaves ACAA at 8:00 a.m. sharp

This loop hike begins at the Cub Lake TH (8,037' el.), located at the west end of Moraine Meadow, in the heart of RMNP. Watch for herds of elk as we make our way through Moraine Meadow.  It is a popular TH any day of the week and the parking lot is not large.  A last chance pit stop should be made at Beaver Meadows Entrance Station because there are no facilities at the TH.

Trail begins directly from the parking lot and remains relatively flat as it leads .5 miles across Moraine Park, to a junction with the South Lateral Moraine Trail.  We will follow this trail for 2 miles.  In that span, look for beaver ponds, as trail parallels the runoff from Cub Lake.

As we approach Cub Lake, have cameras ready for a number of exciting photo ops.  Remember, you are in one of the nations most scenic national parks.  At the west end of the lake we will be hiking on The Pool/Cub Lake Trail another .7 miles to the Pool.  From there, Fern falls (8780') is about .5 miles more before lunch.

Remember to bring sunscreen (SPF 30 or more), and use it.  Canopy on this hike will be 30% tops in the morning and up to 80% on the return.  Regardless of the temperature in Aurora, you can count on it being 10 to 15 degrees lower in the park.  Add a steady breeze and you will be glad for a light fleece or thin windbreaker. 

After lunch, we will be returning to the Fern Lake TH via the Fern Lake trail.  There we will hitch a ride on the park shuttle bus back to the van.