Name: Crater Lakes Trail #819
Rating: 4.3

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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

#194

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

#46

in Colorado

#194

Overall

11 Views Last Month

5,347 Since May 4, 2015

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Photos

Jan 21, 2020 near Winter…, CO

Aug 13, 2019 near Winter…, CO

Jan 21, 2020 near Winter…, CO

Jan 20, 2018 near Winter…, CO

FInal crest approaching the Crater Lakes

Apr 1, 2018 near Winter…, CO

Jun 16, 2019 near Winter…, CO

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Current Trail Conditions

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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.

Aug 23, 2020

Private User

Aug 9, 2020

Mandy S

Jul 15, 2020

Patrick Csongei

1.1mi — 1h 00m

Jul 1, 2020

Caitlin Kinnett

Great for a quick one night backpacking trail. Great for fly fishing too! 3mi

Jun 14, 2020

Kim Chrislip

W Holly. Still snowy at the top 6.3mi — 3h 15m

Jun 13, 2020

Kristy Slibsager

Aug 24, 2019

Skylar W

6.2mi

Aug 18, 2019

Chelsea Taylor

7mi — 6h 00m

Aug 13, 2019

Anthony Tanzi

1h 40m

Aug 13, 2019

Rachel Stubbs

Perfect up hill for 4 miles to get to the lakes. If you follow the creek between the two lakes you'll find a beautiful waterfall and a great view of

Aug 6, 2019

Ashley Bajat

We started out at Moffat tunnel and took South Boulder Creek Trail to Crater Lakes Trail. From the 2 lakes we continued up to the highest lake. MUS… 11mi — 8h 00m

Jul 27, 2019

Amanda White

Jul 13, 2019

Kim Chrislip

6.5mi

Jun 22, 2019

Robin J

Jun 15, 2019

Melanie S

First 1/3rd of trail is fairly easy to find. Be prepared for deep snow, slushy in afternoon. Boots, extra socks, long pants, gps are advised. 2mi — 3h 00m

Jan 20, 2019

Clancey Potter

Great snowshoe starting at Moffatt Tunnel trailhead. The first 2 miles were easy and mostly flat, then start climbing after the turnoff to Crater L… 6mi — 3h 30m

Sep 3, 2018

Alexander Knox

S BOULDER CREEK TO CRATER LAKE

Aug 25, 2018

Sean Conlin

0.3mi

Aug 5, 2018

Gary Garrison

Jul 31, 2018

Rebecca Falgoust

Jul 24, 2018

Michele Cotter

went to the main lakes and also proceeded on to the upper lakes, which was a very steep climb with outstanding views of the valley and the stream f…

Jun 10, 2018

Tyler Kanaval

still snowy. upper lake still frozen 5mi

Apr 1, 2018

Stephen Pack

Jan 20, 2018

Jessica Silverman

Jan 8, 2018

Greg Cardone

Snow was a bit deep at the top - snowshoes were needed which cut my hike short. Lost car keys - please call if found 727.249.6099 1mi

Jan 1, 2018

Maren Miller

Dec 2, 2017

Alex Grina

Nov 18, 2017

Matt Adamski

Oct 25, 2017

Alyssa Gonzalez

Oct 15, 2017

Nathan Kozurek

Jul 22, 2017

Kyle Dymowski

Apr 16, 2017

Matt Adamski

Jan 7, 2017

R G

Snowshoe with VetEx!

Oct 30, 2016

Ellen Jardine

7.2mi

Jun 12, 2016

Kim Chrislip

Started at East Portal TH; w Jer, Abe, Sarah 6mi

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Crater Lakes Trail #819

“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. ”

1.1

1.7

Point to Point

10,663' 3,250 m

9,976' 3,041 m

700' 213 m

13' 4 m

13%

34%

Toolbox

Know This Trail?

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.

Description

Contacts

Shared By:

Trail Ratings

#1

#194

#1

#46

#194

Photos

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Current Trail Conditions

Check-Ins

Nearby Recommended Routes

Three Crater Lakes Trail

Jim Creek Trail

Blue Sky Out and Back

High Lonesome Backpacking Route

South Fork Loop

South Arapaho Peak

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