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A great trail which goes above treeline and by Native Lake. Car shuttle recomended.


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9.2

Miles

14.8

KM

Point to Point

11,840' 3,609 m

High

9,925' 3,025 m

Low

1,535' 468 m

Up

2,412' 735 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

32%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · Views · Wildflowers

Description

Park at the Native Lake Trailhead. Follow the gradual switchbacks for 2.5 miles to crest the ridge and take in great views. Then, follow the steeper trail down to Native Lake (4 miles from the trailhead). Many folks turn around here and head back to the Nake in Lake Trailhead.

If you started your day by shuttling a car to the Fish Hatchery, continue through rolling terrain with occasional views for the next mile before climbing a steep hill for 400 vertical feet up to Highline Lakes. From the lakes, head downhill for 1.5 miles to the junction with the Colorado Trail. Cross the CT and continue downhill for about 2.5 miles to the Fish Hatchery trails.

To get to the Fish Hatchery trailhead, continue on the Rock Creek Dam Trail to the Nature Trail for another mile.

Contacts

Shared By:

Hiking Project Staff

Trail Ratings

  3.3 from 3 votes

#27603

Overall
  3.3 from 3 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
67%
3 Star
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2 Star
33%
1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#2,229

in Colorado

#27,603

Overall
3 Views Last Month
1,077 Since Jun 8, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

High point of trail.
Aug 4, 2025 near Leadvil…, CO

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Aug 4, 2025
John Low
The high part of this trail is excellent better than segment 10. Trail's good though a couple stream crossings you're probably going to get wet feet 7mi — 4h 30m
Aug 3, 2022
Valerie Norton
The high bit to CDT: https://valhikes.blogspot.com/2022/08/busk-creek-and-highline-looped-with.html
Feb 19, 2022
Ken Luedke
Jun 13, 2021
MtnDanSW
First 2 miles on the way to Mt Massive.
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