Hike to Lost Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness

This trail begins at 9,455 feet and gradually climbs 777 feet in elevation to reach Lost Lake. You will start off by hiking the Hessie Trail head of the Indian Peaks wilderness off of County Road 30 just past Eldora, Colorado. You will reach a split in the road where (if you have a high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle) you can veer to the left and take Hessie Road to the Lost Lake Trail-head. If you do not have a 4-wheel drive capable vehicle this split is where you will park and you will follow Hessie Road by foot for a half mile until you will reach the trail-head.

Once you reach the trail it is a 1.5 mile hike to reach Lost Lake, along the trail you will pass by waterfalls and many small bridges over roaring streams. If you plan to hike this trail anytime from November-June you should expect to hike much of this trail in snow and ice one you get closer to the lake as this trail sits at a fairly high elevation.

Parking and access to this trail is free of charge and is a great hike if you only have a few hours to get out, or is equally as great of a hike if you plan to stay out longer as there is free camping along the lake. You will have to acquire a free Back-country Permit through the US Forest Service to camp at this campground.