The Berg Lake Trail ranks among North America's premier backcountry experiences. It offers 23 km of increasingly spectacular scenery, culminating at its namesake lake. This legendary trail passes through multiple ecological zones, alongside raging rivers, past thundering waterfalls, and through alpine meadows. Campsites are reserved once they are released every year, so a backpacking trip here requires advanced planning or luck.
Well-maintained campsites along the route allow multi-day adventures tailored to different fitness levels. The trail's popularity means permits are required and book up months in advance. The optimal window for hiking is mid-July through September, when snow has typically cleared from the higher elevations. Early July can mean more wildflowers and more challenging stream crossings, while September offers beautiful fall colors and fewer crowds.