Crater Lakes Trail
From Hiking
| Crater Lakes Trail | ||
|---|---|---|
| Location: | Rollinsville | |
| Maintained By: | National Forest Service | |
| Starting Elevation: | 9200' | |
| Elevation Gain: | 1400'? | |
| Length: | 6.0 miles | |
| Difficulty: | Moderate to strenuous | |
| Last Hiked: | ||
[edit] Finding the Trail Head
Take CO 119 north to Rollinsville, turn left onto the dirt road just after the railroad tracks (FR 149) and follow it 8 miles to the East Portal of the Moffat Tunnel.
[edit] Description
The trail through the James Peak National Wilderness Area is spectacular and varied. In the lower part, it parallels the South Boulder Creek, crossing numerous side creeks. The terrain is a mix of mountain meadows and pine forest. Near the creek, some sort of moss seems to be killing the trees. In the upper reaches, the forest looks much more healthy.
After 2 miles, the Crater Lakes trail turns left off of the Heart Lake Trail and becomes very steep and rocky. The trail is hard to follow in places, particularly if there is snow on the ground (even as late as early July).
[edit] Experience
A GPS would be handy for finding the lakes when the trail fades out. The lower lakes are boggy and buggy, but beautiful. Didn't make it to the upper lake due to the snow.
