|
Author:
|
Backpacker Magazine
|
|
Activity:
|
Backpacking
ActivitySearchBackpacking
|
|
State:
|
Colorado (CO)
|
|
Distance:
|
19.5 mi
|
|
Difficulty:
|
6 / 10
|
|
USGS Topo Map:
|
Glen Haven, Estes Park, Pingree Park
|
|
Rating:
|
 3 rating(s)
|
This 19.5-mile weekend retreat climbs 2,800 feet along the North Fork Big Thompson River to the cradle of Lost Lake. The initial stretch warms up the legs with a half-mile downhill before the climbing begins. The scenic trail passes buildings on a private inholdings (stay on trail), crosses footbridges in Roosevelt National Forest, and runs past homestead ruins in the Comanche Peak Wilderness before it enters Rocky Mountain National Park. Stop for the night at one of eight forest service campsites 2.3 to 3 miles from the trailhead, or continue to the National Park boundary for several widely-spaced permit-required campsites there.
The climb intensifies near mile 7 after cutting through an alpine meadow and passing the Lost Falls campground, one of four camping areas along the trail's upper reaches. You'll pass a spur trail to Lower Lake campsite. To continue, scramble over boulders on the climb to the mile-wide bowl between Stormy Peaks and Mount Dunraven.
Lost Lake is guarded by 12,000-foot peaks. Pick a flat rock along the lake’s eastern shore for postcard views of the snow-caps, or continue another quarter-mile around its south side to access the chilly water from a small sandy beach.
TO TRAILHEAD: From Denver, drive north on I-25 and take exit 257B, merging onto E Eisenhower Blvd/US 34 W. Continue on US 34 W for 20.9 miles and turn right at Devils Gulch Rd. After 6.1 miles, turn right at Dunraven Glade Rd. and drive 2.2 miles to the trailhead.
| Position Format: |
Datum: |
|
|
|
15-JUN-08 02
| Dist: 9.96 mi |
Points: 340 |
Calories: none |
| Time: none |
Speed: 0.0 mph |
Pace: 0:00 / mi |
LLT001
Location: 40.475456°, -105.460442°
This route follows the North Fork Trail that begins on the south side of the parking area, near the toilet.
LLT002
Location: 40.472855°, -105.463585°
Turn right at the T-junction toward Rocky Mountain National Park.
LLT003
Location: 40.472790°, -105.470001°
Cross the North Fork Big Thompson River on this footbridge, the first of many along the trail.
LLT004
Location: 40.479054°, -105.471130°
Stick to the trail as it enters private property. For the next quarter mile, you'll pass summer-camp facilities including a horse barn, lodge and sport field.
LLT005
Location: 40.482262°, -105.474678°
Turn left at T-junction following signs toward the National Park boundary and Lost Lake.
LLT006
Location: 40.484741°, -105.485169°
Cross another footbridge and bypass the Forest Service campsites to your right. Eight campsites are scattered along the next half-mile of trail.
LLT007
Location: 40.487663°, -105.496674°
At the western end of a meadow, you'll pass these log-cabin ruins on your left.
LLT008
Location: 40.494022°, -105.508148°
This section of the trail, high above the stream, is rocky with little of the lush riverbank vegetation common on other parts of the trail.
LLT009
Location: 40.497753°, -105.518578°
The trail to the Boundary Creek campsite, the first site inside Rocky Mountain National Park. There are at least 7 other marked sites between here and Lost Lake.
LLT010
Location: 40.497688°, -105.530739°
Stay to the right at the Y-junction to continue 4.4 miles to Lost Lake.
LLT011
Location: 40.497189°, -105.536919°
A sign marks the half-way gain in elevation from the trailhead. From here, you have to climb just 1,400 feet to Lost Lake.
LLT012
Location: 40.500320°, -105.557472°
Stay straight on the trail, bypassing the Lost Falls campsite. From this point, the uphill climb intensifies.
LLT013
Location: 40.505417°, -105.568123°
Turn left at the T-junction, 2.1 miles from the lake.
LLT014
Location: 40.505497°, -105.571510°
Cross the North Fork Big Thompson River, this is one of the few unbridged crossings, but several stepping-stones will keep your boots dry.
LLT015
Location: 40.507267°, -105.594887°
Continue left at the Y-junction toward Upper Lost Lake campground and Lost Lake.
LLT016
Location: 40.507526°, -105.599381°
At 10,714-feet, Lost Lake, is just below this area's highest peaks and may take your breath away. Large rocks near its shore make great picnic spots.
Log Cabin
Location: 40.487557°, -105.496330°
These ruins are on the west end of an open field. Pass them on your left. © Kristy Holland
Boundary Creek Sign
Location: 40.497761°, -105.518585°
© Mackenzie Ryan
Boundary Creek Campsite
Location: 40.497974°, -105.518311°
Boundary Creek's luxe campsite can accomodate 2-3 tens and comes complete with a privy, chopping block, fire ring, and easy access to the nearby stream. © Mackenzie Ryan
Trail Sign
Location: 40.497719°, -105.530747°
The whole trail is well marked and informs hikers of distances and potential destinations. © Mackenzie Ryan
Halfway Point
Location: 40.497192°, -105.536964°
This sign marks Halfway campsite and point where the trail has gained half the elevation to Lost Lake. © Mackenzie Ryan
Meadow
Location: 40.499394°, -105.555191°
Three miles from Lost Lake, a meadow offers glimpses of Stormy Peaks to the north and Mt. Dickinson and Mt. Dunraven to the south. © Kristy Holland
Waterfall
Location: 40.504715°, -105.565361°
During a rain or after heavy snow-melt, this waterfall can flood the trail's footbridge. © Mackenzie Ryan
North Fork Crossing
Location: 40.505497°, -105.571465°
Stepping stones provide dry passage across the North Fork of the Big Thompson River. © Mackenzie Ryan
Snowy Climb
Location: 40.507572°, -105.596451°
This photo, taken in mid-June, shows potential snow cover on the upper reaches of the trail. © Mackenzie Ryan
Lost Lake
Location: 40.507542°, -105.599396°
Large rocks on the east side of Lost Lake make great picnic spots. © Mackenzie Ryan
