Rocky Mountain National Park's Lawn Lake Trail

Lawn Lake Trail

Description:
The Lawn Lake Trail begins from the trailhead at an elevation of 8,578 feet and climbs to a point above Lawn Lake at an elevation of 11,050 feet in just over 6 miles. The trail begins a moderate climb through a ponderosa pine forest. It makes a number of long switchbacks up the steep ridge north of the trailhead while traveling in a westerly direction. You get some great views of Horseshoe Park and the alluvial fan rubble as it makes its climb. The trail is wide and well maintained. It turns north and parallels the Roaring River. You get good views of the gorge caused by the 1982 Lawn Lake dam break. The trail levels off for a while as it travels along the river. You'll intersect the Ypsilon Lake Trail after traveling about 1.4 miles.

The trail begins a moderate climb after passing through an aspen grove, making a long switchback away from the Roaring River. It gradually moves back toward the river before turning away via more switchbacks. It levels off as it approaches the Black Canyon Trail. Here it passes a large rubble field left from the 1982 dam break. Climbing through a dense spruce forest, it soon rejoins the Roaring River. From there it follows the river for a short distance to Lawn Lake.

Features:

Length:	6.1 miles (9.8 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	8,578' -11,050'
Elevation change:	2,517 feet
Season:	Jun 1 - Nov 1
Difficulty:	Moderate
Use:	Moderate to high
USGS maps:	Trail Ridge
Trailheads:	Lawn Lake
Restrictions:	No pets are permitted
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted)
Suitable for horses:	Yes

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
The Lawn Lake Trail can be accessed via the Lawn Lake Trailhead on the Fall River Road. Take Highway 34 north from the Fall River Entrance to the Endovalley turnoff. The trailhead is immediately on the right. Parking for horse trailers is a little farther on the left. The paved parking area has room for about 40 vehicles. There are restrooms at the trailhead.

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