Hike to (and Camp at) Lost Lake

The hike to Lost Lake starts at the Hessie Trailhead, just down the road from Eldora, CO, at 9,000 feet above sea level.

To get to the traihead, take Colorado State Highway 119 (Canyon Drive) west out of Boulder. Drive through Nederland, and take a right on Eldora road. After 3 miles, take a slight left onto Eldorado Road, and after another mile and a half, take a slight left onto Hessie Road. Hessie Road is where you will park; the trail starts at the end of the road.

If you need to stop for supplies - or a bathroom - there is a great grocery store called B & F Market on 119 in Nederland, shortly before the turnoff to Eldora road.

During summer months, the trail to Lost Lake is only about 1.5 miles, but during the winter, part of the road is occasionally closed to vehicles, depending on snow levels. This may extend the hike about a mile, since you'll have to hike down the road to reach the trialhead.

Once departing from the trailhead, the 1.5 mile hike heads up to the lake, with around 800 feet elevation gain. Be sure to follow signs for Lost Lake, as there are several points at which the trail connects with trails going to other areas of the Indian Peaks Wilderness.

From the Hessie Trailhead, follow the Devil's Thumb Trail for about .75 miles, when you will come to a junction. Take the left fork. After about another .5 miles, you will come to another fork. Take the left fork again. This is the last bit of the trail, and it is steeper and more strenuous than the rest of the trail, but will lead you straight to the lake.

Be sure to be alert for wildlife! This hike is one of the only times I've seen a moose in the wild.

There are also several designated, first-come, first-serve campsites around the lake. Camping at Lost Lake is great practice for beginning backpackers. Since the sites are around the lake and not accessible by vehicle, it's a great way for people who are interested in backpacking to practice packing their gear and carrying it into a campsite, but at only a few miles, it's not too intimidating for beginners.