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Boulder Lake Trail

Intermediate
 3.6 (8)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Central Rockies
  4. Gore Range
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“A beautiful forested trail to a high alpine lake. ”

Chelsea Gribbin
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Map Key

5.7

Miles

9.1

KM

Point to Point

10,049' 3,063 m

High

8,487' 2,587 m

Low

1,601' 488 m

Up

43' 13 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

16%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Leashed

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

The trailhead has been moved from Boulder Creek Rd or the Boulder Creek Trail to Rock Creek Rd and Gore Range trailhead as of summer 2019. I received a warning ticket by Summit County Sheriff for parking at the old Boulder Creek Trailhead off Hwy 9. Plus it is a long, exhausting 3.5-mile hike up the gravel road from Hwy 9 and another seven miles from the green gate to Boulder Lake. I would recommend this only as a day hike in the fall as Boulder Creek Trail goes through the aspens.

Need to Know

You have to park at the lot off Route 9 and walk up the gravel road for roughly 2.5 miles before hitting the trailhead.

In addition, the bridge across the largest stream you'll encounter about a mile from the top has had a tree fall on it. This has caused the bridge to dip into the water by about 3 inches and you'll need to step over the tree. It is still possible to cross but be sure of your footing.

Finally, bring lots of bug spray, the entire trail runs parallel to some form of water and the mosquitoes were never-ending.

Description

The trail winds through the forest until a junction with Gore Range Trail. Continue straight past the junction and continuing climbing until you reach lower boulder lake. You can continue on past lower boulder lake, but the trail is not as well defined.

Shared By:

Chelsea Gribbin with improvements by Teddy Lewitt and 1 other
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.6 from 8 votes

#6

in Gore Range

#12220

Overall
  3.6 from 8 votes
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4 Star
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3 Star
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Trail Rankings

#6

in Gore Range

#1,099

in Colorado

#12,220

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4,521 Since Mar 19, 2015
Intermediate
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Photos

Lower Boulder Lake.
Aug 3, 2016 near Silvert…, CO
Boulder Lake near the outlet.
Oct 23, 2016 near Silvert…, CO
Forested trail, good for a hot day.
Oct 23, 2016 near Silvert…, CO

3 Comments

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Check-Ins

Jul 4, 2020
Jenny Brown
should have taken the other trail to get to the lake, walking along the road in the sun was pretty miserable. did not bring enough bug spray 8.7mi — 2h 47m
Jul 2, 2020
Robert Wharton
Jul 29, 2017
Ian Hill
Cool hike with two huge moose! Lovely fields of bog and little elevation change. Can't park at the trailhead which is a bummer because it adds 3 mile 10mi
Jun 4, 2017
Josie Neuzil
Lovely hike. Lots of downed trees and snow on the trail still. It added about 30 min to our hike.
Jul 30, 2016
Ellen Jardine
Lovely undulating trail through the woods, up to beautiful Boulder Lake. Plentiful camping. 5.7mi

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