Lower Boulder Lake via Rock Creek Trail

The hike to this beautiful lake is a moderate 5.4 miles round-trip, and about 1000 ft. elevation gain/loss. It can be done in a half day, or even as an overnight backpack.

This hike starts at the Rock Creek Trailhead 7 miles north of Silverthorne. Although the drive is rough, it can be done in a passenger car, if you're up for a little challenge. The hike starts out on the Rock Creek Trail at about 9,500 ft.. After a half mile, the trail intersects the Gore Range Trail, and here you will bear right.

The trail climbs moderately as you travel through pine beetle killed lodgepole. Just before the first mile you will come to a large open meadow where moose and elk can sometimes be spotted. The trail continues to climb, and you will pass several small "side" trails as you come to the high point (10,100 ft.) at 1.8 miles. From here the trail drops downhill to the junction of the Boulder Creek Trail (9,700 ft.) at 2.4 miles. Here you will take the Boulder Creek Trail to the left. It is another 0.3 mile to the southern shore of the lake at about 9,800 ft. There is a pretty well defined social trail around the lake. Follow the same trail back to your car.

Remember that Hiking can be hazardous—hike at your own risk & know your personal limits! Snow can still cover the trail in early and late hiking seasons. Always be prepared for changing weather conditions. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the summer. Wildflowers peak in late July.