Just west of Beaver Meadows Entrance Station is Rocky Mountain National Park’s Moraine Park, setup with a museum, picnic areas, campground and a web of self-guided trails. Heading west from Moraine Park, the Fern Lake Trail follows along Spruce Canyon, passing by a handful of waterfalls and alpine lakes.
   A short distance to the south the Cub Lake Trail follows the Big Thompson River and Cub Creek through a rich mountain meadow. Elk and deer gather in herds, feeding on meadow grasses and plants. Other common mammals, both large and small, include bears, bobcats and coyotes. Level and measuring a little more than two miles, the trail to Cub Lake is one of the park’s easier routes. This picturesque view of Cub Lake is set off beautifully by a backdrop made up of Sprague Mountain and Stones Peak. This family friendly hike, reaching its peak of scenic beauty during the first few weeks of autumn, can offer more choices than returning over the same trail. When coupled up with Fern Lake Trail, hikers can enjoy views of The Pool, Fern Falls, Fern Lake and the Little Matterhorn.
   Finding the entrance to Moraine Park Road (nearby the Moraine Park Museum), which leads to the Fern Lake and Cub Lake trailheads, may be a little more trying than the hike itself.

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