King Lake (#901)
Length: From Hessie Trailhead (TH) to King Lake - 5.2 miles; to Betty Lake - 5.5 miles; to Bob Lake - 6 miles; to High Lonesome Trail - 5.7 miles. DISTANCES ARE ONE WAY.
Elevation: 9,000 feet at Hessie TH; 11,431 feet at King Lake; 11,450 feet at Betty Lake; 11,600 feet at Bob Lake; 11,650 feet at the High Lonesome Trail.
Trail Summary: From the trailhead, the Devils Thumb Trail climbs steeply for about a half-mile on an old road. Cross the bridge and stay on the main Devil’s Thumb Trail; do not take the Bypass Trail. Pass the turnoff for Lost Lake and follow the King Lake Trail. It soon enters the Indian Peaks Wilderness and steadily gains 1,200' in elevation over the next four miles. Towards the upper end, the Twin Trestles of the Moffat Road are visible clinging to the slope. About a mile before reaching King Lake, the trail makes several switchbacks.
The King Lake Trail passes King Lake, and climbs a ridge for half a mile to the Continental Divide. There it meets the High Lonesome Trail. A loop from Hessie to King Lake to High Lonesome Trail to Devils Thumb Lake and back to Hessie, makes a great fifteen-mile overnight backpacking trip (permits required).
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View a trail map here.
At a Glance
Permit Info: | This trail lies within the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area:
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Usage: | Heavy |
Best Season: | Hiking conditions are best from July through September. |
Restrictions: | Indian Peak Wilderness restrictions apply:
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Closest Towns: | Nederland, Colorado |
Water: | Lakes and streams; treat water for drinking. |
Restroom: | Practice Leave No Trace principles |
Operated By: | U.S. Forest Service |
General Information
Directions:From Nederland, head south on Colorado Highway 119 for 0.6 miles. Turn west onto County Road 130, signed for Eldora. Follow the paved road through the valley to the Town of Eldora, where the pavement ends. Continue beyond the end of the pavement for 0.75 miles to the fork in the road. The left fork goes to Hessie Trailhead.
Accessibility:
Accessible for winter use from the town of Eldora.