Rocky Mountain National Park's Lion Lake Trail

Lion Lake Trail

Description:
The Lion Lake Trail begins from the Thunder Lake Trail at an elevation of 10,029 feet and climbs to Lion Lake #1 at an elevation of 11,065 feet in 2.2 miles. Horses are not permitted on this trail. There is no hitch rack but a line can be strung between trees below the Thunder Lake Trail to tie your horses.

The trail makes a steep climb over some log water bars for a short distance. It makes a few switchbacks and heads north through an area of large rocks. The forest begins to open up as you climb, offering good views to the southwest. Continuing on up the ridge, the trail makes several more switchbacks alternating between level walks and moderate climbs. The trail gets a little faint in areas where it crosses rock surfaces, but these sections are short and it is easy to pick up the trail again. There are rock cairns in some places. The trail splits in a meadow containing a pond. The trail to the right travels through the forest behind some rocks, while the other travels through the meadow. Take the trail to the right to lessen the impact on the wet meadow. These trails soon rejoin and it is a short distance to Lion Lake #1. Cross country travel is required to reach Lion Lake #2 and Snowbank Lake on the ridge above Lion Lake #1.

Features:

Length:	2.19 miles (3.52 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	10,029' - 11,107'
Elevation change:	1,223 feet
Season:	Jun 15 - Oct 15
Difficulty:	Moderate
Use:	Low to moderate
USGS maps:	Isolation Peak
Trailheads:	Wild Basin
Restrictions:	No pets are permitted
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted)
Suitable for horses:	No

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
The Lion Lake Trail begins from the Thunder Lake Trail. The nearest access to this trail is via the Wild Basin Trailhead. Take Highway 7 south from Estes Park for about 10.8 miles to the Wild Basin Area turnoff (about 3.8 miles south of the Longs Peak access road). Turn right and follow the road for about .4 miles to the Wild Basin Entrance (just past the Wild Basin Lodge). Follow the narrow dirt road for about 2 miles to the Wild Basin Ranger Station and the trailhead. Take the Thunder Lake Trail and North St Vrain Fire Trail for about 4.2 miles to the Lion Lake Trail intersection.

There is room for 50 to 60 vehicles at the trailhead and 30 to 40 more at various spots along the road to the trailhead. The road is narrow and not recommended for Rvs. This a popular area and often fills up by mid morning.

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