The Bear Lake Lodge

Below is a photo of the old Bear Lake Lodge along the eastern shore of Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. The first building on this property was constructed in 1915. After additional cabins were added in subsequent years, the resort was able to accommodate up to 75 guests per day during its heyday.

In 1919, Roger Toll, then Superintendent of Rocky Mountain, published Mountaineering in the Rocky Mountain National Park. In the book he noted that accommodations at the lodge cost $20.00 per week. Apparently inflation was kept to a minimum in the years that followed (especially during the Great Depression). A park pamphlet from 1937 stated:

"Bear Lake Lodge, located on Bear Lake, offers cabin accommodations, ranging in price from $2.50 to $3.50 a day and $15 to $20 a week. Meals: Breakfast, a la carte; luncheon, 65 cents to $1; dinner, $1 to $1.50."

The lodge remained in business until 1958; however, within two years, the National Park Service had razed all of the buildings on the property. They eventually restored portions of the area back to its natural state, and converted another portion into the current parking area.

Today, the landscape around Bear Lake looks much different when compared to the early 1900s. In addition to the commercial development around the lake, this area was also badly burned during the "Big Fire" of 1900, which was started by picnickers. According to the park website, the fire "raged for two months". Most visitors who hike around Bear Lake today are likely unaware of the rich history that took place here during the first half of the 20th Century.

Jeff
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