Hiking Project Logo

Enjoy lakes, views, waterfalls, and solitude along this wilderness trail.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

7.0

Miles

11.2

KM

Point to Point

12,404' 3,781 m

High

9,662' 2,945 m

Low

1,522' 464 m

Up

2,864' 873 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

35%

Max Grade (20°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

You must camp at designated campsites at Geneva Lake. If staying overnight at Geneva Lake, advance reservation overnight permits are required and must be purchased in advance at recreation.gov.

Approved bear food storage containers are required and strictly enforced. For more information, check out the US Forest Service's website.

Description

From Snowmass Lake, the trail begins above the lake on the south side of the outlet. For the next 1.5 miles, the trail climbs steeply Trail Rider Pass. From the Pass, the trail drops precipitously and becomes flat as it enters a large basin. Bypass the North Fork Cutoff and climb slightly as the backs of the Maroon Bells impose themselves on your view to the east. Of course, Snowmass Mountain and Hagerman Peak do the same to your north.

From this awesome viewpoint, drop into a steep section of the trail's namesake lake, Geneva Lake. Views of Snowmass and Hagerman are hard to deny, now - enjoy! Continue south as the trail winds its way around the lake and hits a very steep section. Continue past the multitudes of cascading waterfalls as the trail winds its way down this beautiful slope.

In the far off distance, you'll be able to see the backside of the Bell's even more prominently than before - these are some of Colorado's most picturesque mountains. The final push provides some well-earned respite for the rest of the route. Savor the open meadows and sparse trees as you head to the trail's termination at the Lead King Loop.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tom Robson

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 3 votes

#23528

Overall
  3.7 from 3 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
33%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1,841

in Colorado

#23,528

Overall
10 Views Last Month
5,504 Since Apr 1, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
33%
0%
67%
0%

Photos

Oh yeah.....high above magical Snowmass Lake on Trail Rider Pass. Photo: Michelle Smith
Aug 31, 2015 near Snowmas…, CO
Late summer flowers in full effect on Trail Rider Pass above Snowmass Lake. Photo: Michelle Smith
Aug 31, 2015 near Snowmas…, CO
View into Snowmass Lake
Jul 21, 2021 near Snowmas…, CO
Heading down the Geneva Lake Trail.
Sep 5, 2017 near Snowmas…, CO
At the creek looking at Snowmass.
Dec 6, 2021 near Snowmas…, CO
Snowmass Lake sunrise.
Sep 5, 2017 near Snowmas…, CO

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.