Timberline Lake

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Fishing · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers

One of the very favorites hikes among locals in Leadville and Buena Vista is this fairly easy trek into a high mountain lake with spectacular views. Another bonus is that, unlike many trails to lakes in Colorado, this one doesn't require miles of bone-jarring travel on dirt roads to reach the trailhead. The hike travels through beautiful high meadows and large rockfalls, and the scenery helps makes it feel like a quick trip on the steady ascent up to the lake. - Overview by Denis LeBlanc, Outdoor Project

The creek crossing at 1.3 almost always requires getting your feet wet and may be difficult to cross until after the first half of June.

The Timberline lake trail starts with the Colorado Trail. After the initial short section with the Colorado Trail, the Timberline Lake Trail will head up along Lake Fork Creek at a well-marked intersection. The trail essentially follows the creek the entire way up to Timberline Lake. There are a few creek crossings, none of which have bridges so it can involve getting your feet wet in early season.

The first 1.5 miles of trail climb steadily at a gentle grade, with the way steepening considerably afterward. A marshy section and the widest creek crossing occur at about 1.3 miles in. Short spur trails along the creek lead to some easier crossing points if you look for them.

After about 2.5 miles the main trail ends at the southeast end of the lake, but there is a faint trail along the west shore up to the meadows at the upper end of the lake. This additional half mile is worth it for the bonus views and greater solitude available there.

Timberline Lake offers excellent fishing.