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A steep trail that rewards with a great rest spot at Timber Lake.


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Map Key

9.3

Miles

14.9

KM

Out and Back

11,056' 3,370 m

High

9,062' 2,762 m

Low

2,012' 613 m

Up

2,012' 613 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

26%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

This is a 4.8 mile route up to picturesque Timber Lake. The trail climbs through a number of short switchbacks leading to a meadow where subalpine flowers bloom. After a second set of switchbacks, Timber Lake comes into view. Allow 5-6 hours for this steep hike or 2-3 hours if you can run it.

Description

Leaving from the Timber Lake trailhead, start up the Timber Lake Trail and enjoy the splendid stands of aspen. In fall, this trail glows red, orange and yellow from the aspen foliage.

Eventually, the trail enters a beautiful meadowland where moose and elk are frequent encounters. Soon after, Timber Lake Trail will cross the sometimes roaring Beaver Creek via an elevated bridge.

At around the one mile mark, the trail's grade increases significantly and forward travel will slow. You'll gain a lot of elevation on Jackstraw Mountain's western face. The forest will transition from aspen stands to dense coniferous forest.

Just before the four mile mark, Long Meadows Trail (A.K.A. Timber Creek Trail) will branch off to the south (right).

Shortly after the junction with Long Meadows Trail, the trail steepens again through another set of rocky switchbacks. Once the trail turns back to the southeast, Timber Lake will not be far off. Enjoy a break or picnic next to the lake and take in the views before turning around and retracing your steps.

Flora & Fauna

RMNP is a massive park that is mostly characterized by a montane ecosystem. Here are some of the Flora and Fauna that you may encounter along this trail:

Flora: Ponderosa pine, douglas fir, wildflowers, shrubs
Fauna: Elk, mule deer, moose, bighorn sheep, coyotes, black bears, cougars, butterflies.

For more detailed information regarding the park's diverse ecosystems, click HERE.

Contacts

Shared By:

Brian Smith

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 12 votes

#1875

Overall
  4.4 from 12 votes
5 Star
58%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
17%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#314

in Colorado

#1,875

Overall
18 Views Last Month
4,500 Since Jan 15, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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33%
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67%
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Photos

The Slopes of Mt. Ida with permission from Ed Ogle
Jan 15, 2015 near Grand Lake, CO
Timber Lake Trail
Jan 15, 2015 near Grand Lake, CO
Timber Lake
May 6, 2018 near Grand Lake, CO

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