Upper Cataract Lake Out and Back

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Fishing · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The hike begins in alpine fields and then winds through aspen groves to reach Surprise Lake. From there, the trail continues through similar groves until it reaches Upper Cataract and Mirror Lakes. This is a popular weekend backpacking spot, and campsites by the lake are in high demand.

This trail can be especially busy on weekends, so try to plan your hike during the week or get an early start on a weekend. A permit is not required for staying overnight, but this is within a wilderness area so some special restrictions apply. As always, please be sure to Leave No Trace when hiking and camping.

From I-70 take Exit 205 for Silverthorne/Dillon and travel north on HWY 9 for 16 miles. At mile marker 118, turn left onto County Road 30 toward the town of Heeney. Follow County Road 30 for 5.3 miles and then turn left onto Cataract Creek Road (FDR 1725). Continue for 2.5 miles to the parking area at the end of the road. Please do not block the gate!

Start at the Surprise Lake Trailhead (FDT 62) and cross the foot bridge. Approximately 2.35 miles from the trailhead you'll intersect with Gore Range Trail #60. Turn right (west) on Gore Range Trail #60, which you'll follow for 0.81 miles until you reach the intersection for Upper Cataract Lake Trail #63 on your left (southwest). Travel approximately 2.16 miles to Upper Cataract Lake, which will then be on your left. Continue for another 1.31 miles if you would like to reach Mirror Lake.

Many views of the Cataract Creek drainage are available along this trail. The fishing is reported to be good in both of these lakes.

An abundance of wildflowers can be seen from late-June through mid-July. The lower quarter of the trail is a pleasant trip through open aspen groves. However, the trail becomes increasingly more difficult as you climb in elevation through fir and spruce forest.