Three Crater Lakes Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This route includes not one, not two, but three Crater Lakes to enjoy throughout the hike. There are also waterfall and wildflower views available.

After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. The road will dead end at Moffat Tunnel where you'll find ample parking in a gravel lot with restrooms.

You'll begin your hike along sweeping meadows until you enter Roosevelt National Forest where you'll hike along the South Boulder Creek. Enjoy a casual incline as the bustling stream cools the air and hums with an atmospheric trickle along the moderately wooded and heavily rock-filled trails. As the degree of incline intensifies, keep your eyes peeled for rock piles marking the trail—there are a couple of places the trail switchbacks on massive boulders making it easy to lose.

Your first destination once out of the switchbacks is a lake on your left. The trail disperses but picks up in several places. Push in further to find the second lake on your right and several camping spots. Split the two lakes and traverse the left side of the second lake to find the waterfall trail that takes you up to the alpine lake and lagoon—just look for the stream and follow it.

This is the most difficult part of the hike, but also the most rewarding. A lot of people don't take this trail and opt for the straighter, more vertical trail up where the two lower lakes are closest, but they miss the waterfalls and wildflowers, so look for the waterfall trail and take it.

Once up there, you'll be rewarded with killer views and a beautiful alpine lagoon. Take some time here to enjoy it but be sure to push in even further yet to discover the third alpine lake. At this point, the trail is nonexistent, but I've found the best route to take is to traverse right—going left will lead you to marshy water holes and potentially wet boots.

Wildflowers and a chance for moose.