Carhart Trail

Dogs Off-leash

Features Fishing · Lake · Views · Wildflowers

Whether you want to drop a line in, take the kids on a stroll, or get a good power walk in, Carhart Trail is a lovely walk with beautiful views of the Flat Tops. This makes a pleasant day hike of any distance around the lake, with no reason you have to complete the full loop. It can also make the start of a longer, perhaps multi-day, trip into the Flat Tops Wilderness Area.

From the parking area at The Outlet trailhead, this easy family-friendly trail circles Trappers Lake and is popular for fishing, camping, running, and hiking. Backpackers often use this as a starting off point for farther flung adventures.

You can hike this in either direction, with beautiful views of the Flat Tops the entire way. Fields of wildflowers abound, but there is no shade, so be sure to bring a hat, bug repellent, and sunscreen. You'll see thousands of downed trees due to momentous fires in 2002, but the upside is that there are no obstructions to the views. If you get hot, the lake offers cool wading and swimming options for most of the way. There are some stream crossings, too, which can be hectic early in the summer during runoff.

The lake, which sits at 9,600 feet and is known as "The Cradle of Wilderness," is one of the state's top breeding grounds for native Colorado River cutthroat trout, which makes it an angler's paradise. Only artificial flies and lures are allowed, and all natives over 11 inches are mandated to be released.

If you're backpacking or up for a longer hike, you can access Little Trappers Trail, Trappers Lake Trail, and Wall Lake Trail. There are five Forest Service campgrounds nearby, and dispersed camping is allowed but prohibited within 1.4 mile of Trappers Lake and the campgrounds. Trappers Lake Lodge rents boats and cabins, too.

Moose, elk, deer, black bears, marmots, wildflowers.

The trail is named for Arthur Carhart, who first surveyed Trappers Lake in 1919. He helped set the stage for the Wilderness Act of 1964 and the National Wilderness Preservation System, which includes Trappers Lake and the entire Flat Tops Wilderness.