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Crater Lakes Trail #819

Intermediate/Difficult
 4.3 (29)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. Roosevelt National Forest
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“This is a great place to camp on a hot summer day. Come for the views, but stay for the cool water and the upper lake. ”

Tom Robson
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Map Key

1.1

Miles

1.7

KM

Point to Point

10,663' 3,250 m

High

9,976' 3,041 m

Low

700' 213 m

Up

13' 4 m

Down

13%

Avg Grade (7°)

34%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views

Family Friendly Kids may struggle for a short time making the climb to the lakes, but it will all be worth it once they are there.

CAMPFIRES ARE NOT ALLOWED. Permits are not required for overnight stays inside the
James Peak Wilderness. However, other wilderness regulations apply.

Description

Not to be confused with Crater Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Crater Lakes Trail is in the James Peak Wilderness.

The Crater Lakes Trail turns right (north) off the South Boulder Creek Trail at the junction sign. It climbs for a mile into a wide valley before crossing the narrow spit of land between the two main lakes. To reach the fantastic upper lake, follow the steep fisherman's trail up the headwall and down a talus field to the lakeshore.

In June and early July, this valley can be full of deep snow and the trail may not be visible.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Arapaho National Forests - Clear Creek Ranger District

Shared By:

Tom Robson
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 29 votes

#1

in Roosevelt National Forest

#198

Overall
  4.3 from 29 votes
5 Star
41%
4 Star
52%
3 Star
7%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Roosevelt National Forest

#47

in Colorado

#198

Overall
11 Views Last Month
5,347 Since May 4, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult
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Photos

Crater Lake
Jan 21, 2020 near Winter…, CO
Crater Lakes Trail
Aug 13, 2019 near Winter…, CO
Crater Lake Trail
Jan 21, 2020 near Winter…, CO
Crater Lake.
Jan 20, 2018 near Winter…, CO
FInal crest approaching the Crater Lakes
Apr 1, 2018 near Winter…, CO
Crater Lake approach June 2019.
Jun 16, 2019 near Winter…, CO

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 69 days ago
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Check-Ins

Aug 16, 2023
Gina G
Aug 20, 2022
Private User
Jun 25, 2022
Kali Gustafson
Mar 19, 2022
Jody Rae
Aug 6, 2021
Matt Culpepper
From East Portal via South Boulder Creek Trl. Camped above South Crater Lake. Includes hiking up the Waterfall trail to Upper Crater Lake (7.5/1900) 3.5mi
Jul 9, 2021
Cynthia B.
Sep 26, 2020
Mike Kruger
Krugers and Andersons. Beautiful lakes 5.5mi — 5h 15m
Sep 5, 2020
Allie Petersen
Very steep, but worth the views!! You hit 2 lower lakes first, then it's another very steep! ~1/4 mile up the creek to waterfalls and 2 more lakes.

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