Distance: 3.2 miles round trip
Time Needed: 1.5 to 2 hours
This down canyon trail is one of the most popular trailheads in the summer. From the car hike steadily uphill through lush pine and aspen forests providing great shade. As the trail rises the trees thin giving wonderful views of the valley below. Before you take the junction for Fern Lake, hike just a few minutes past to the bridge for a great photo opportunity of the waterfall. The junction marks the halfway point to Fern Lake; continue to switch backs up hill till you reach Fern Lake. This trail is steep the whole way, take plenty of water and use trekking poles if needed.