Crows Nest Lookout Trail

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Features Commonly Backpacked · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

Crows Nest Lookout Trail starts and ends along other trails, so is typically a segment of longer hikes. It can be hiked in either direction.

As described here, it starts at the trail to Long Lake #7122, and ends at the trail to Summit Lake #7165. Going in this direction, hiking Crows Nest Lookout Trail is a steep climb from start to finish. But the views get better and better the higher one gets, culminating with the awesome views from Crows Nest Lookout at the trail's end.

Crows Nest Lookout Trail is found at the 3.3-mile mark along the trail to Long Lake #7122. There is a trail sign at this trail junction - follow the arrow towards Trapper Lake to begin hiking Crows Nest Lookout Trail. Beginning in the pine forest, the trail descends for a short ways to Pine Creek, where it crosses the creek on a sturdy bridge. After crossing the creek, continuing in the forest, the trail begins climbing immediately. And doesn't stop climbing until it reaches its other end at Crows Nest Lookout.

As Crows Nest Lookout Trail climbs, it emerges from the forest into grassy, rocky open areas with low sage brush in places. Once in the open, the views to the southeast get better and better, as one goes higher and higher. These views are of the Pine Creek drainage. This valley has been carved by Pine Creek and its tributaries such as Fremont Creek, Bridger Creek, and other creeks. Several small lakes are along these creeks.

As one approaches the end of Crows Nest Lookout Trail, Triangle Lake and Long Lake are visible. Also towards the trail's end, as the trail levels out, it enters the pine forest for short stretches. Then, at the very end, it pops out at Crows Nest Lookout, a rocky, steep sided bluff with awesome views to the southeast. One can even see Angel Pass and Angel Peak on the Continental Divide, in the far distance.

Crows Nest Lookout Trail ends a few steps past the lookout, in the trees, at the 6.0-mile mark along the trail to Summit Lake #7165.

Pine forest. Rocky, grassy open areas with sage. Summer wildflowers.