Darby's Favorite Reasons to Love this Hike :

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1. Lost Lake is a very popular short (3.5 miles round trip) but beautiful hike in the Arapaho Wilderness; you can make it a whole day trip or overnight by continuing to Devil's Thumb Trail (5 miles one way), into Indian Peak Wilderness: King Lake/continental divide (5.2 miles one way) Betty Lake (5.5 miles one way) Bob Lake (6 miles ones way), or travel the Woodland Lake Trail (5.7 miles one way).   

2. Waterfalls and creek crossings make this a delicious hike for the mid summer heat.

3. Ponderosa Pine and dense forest keep the heat down in the summer and lots of Colordao wildflowers for smelling. Views of Eldora Mountain and the surrounding Indian Peaks Wilderness at the start of the trail.

4. The terrain is a bit challenging, rocky and steep hills for the most part. No switchbacks, just straight up for 1.5 miles with a net elevation gain of 1000ft.

5. If you want to camp there are 9 campsites around the Lake at 10,000 ft. This trail is just outside Indian Peaks Wilderness area so campfires are permitted and camping permits are not necessary. Contact the Boulder Ranger District for possible fire bans before your camping trip (303) 541-2500.

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Difficulty: Moderate

Starting elevation: 9000 ft., to Lost Lake 10,000 ft.

Bikes: No

Dogs: Yes, on hand-held leash at all times

Bathrooms: At the trail head

Picnic tables: No 

 

Directions: from Boulder go west on Boulder Canyon Drive (Canyon) CR 119, toward Nederland. Follow 119 south toward Eldora. Turn onto CR 130 (Eldora Ski Sign). Go through the small town of Hessie, the paved road ends and continues for another mile. Once you see the signs for the Hessie Trail, park on the street in the designated area, and follow the trail bed toward the Lost Lake Trail. There is water in the cobblestone creek all year round, but a trail along the road (1/4 mi.) will take you there.

From Denver: take 72 to 119 and follow the signs toward Eldora Ski area. Contiune with the directions above.