Woodland Lake Trail
Description:
The
Woodland Lake trail can be reached from the Devils Thumb Trail about 2.3 miles
from the Hessie trailhead. The trail begins on the Devils Thumb Trail at an
elevation of 9740 feet and climbs steadily for 2.5 miles to an elevation of
11220 feet near Skyscraper Reservoir. The trail makes a gentle climb to the
northwest before turning west and making a more moderate climb up a narrow
gulch. It travels up the left side paralleling a stream through a mix of spruce,
fir, and open areas. After crossing the stream the trail begins a steep climb
out of the gulch to the southwest. It passes through some wet areas under
a dense spruce/fir canopy. Once out of the gulch it levels off for a while
before making a moderate climb to Woodland Lake. Just before reaching Woodland
Lake the trail breaks out of the forest along side a stream flowing through
some grassy meadows. Woodland Lake is about 50 - 60 yards to the left of the
trail. It takes about an hour and fifteen minutes to get to the lake from
the start of the trail.
The
trail makes a moderate climb from the west end of Woodland Lake toward Skyscraper
Reservoir. Rock cairns help mark the way. It gets a little steeper as it travels
through some rock talus. The trail ends at the northeast shore of Skyscraper
Reservoir near the dam, about .3 miles from Woodland Lake.
This
trail is located in the Woodland travel zone of the Indian Peaks Wilderness
where camping, day hiking, and livestock are permitted. No open fires are
allowed (stoves only). The trail is of moderate difficulty. Woodland Lake
and Skyscraper Reservoir both contain rainbow trout. The hike from the Hessie
Trailhead to Skyscraper Reservoir and back takes about five hours.
Features:
| Length: |
2.5 miles (4 kilometers) |
| Elevation Range: |
9,742' - 11,220' |
| Elevation change: |
1,478 feet |
| Season: |
July 1 - Sept 15 |
| Difficulty: |
Moderate |
| Use: |
Moderate |
| USGS maps: |
East Portal |
| Trailheads: |
Hessie |
| Restrictions: |
Pets must be on a leash, no campfires |
| Suitable for mountain bikes: |
No (not permitted in wilderness) |
| Suitable for horses: |
Yes |
Vicinity Map
Altitude Profile
Other Nearby Resources:
Directions:
The
Woodland Lake Trail is located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness and can be reached
via the Devils Thumb Trail from the Hessie Trailhead. Take Count Road 130 west
from Nederland about 5 miles to the Hessie Trailhead. Travel about 2.3 miles
on the Devils Thumb Trail to its intersection with the Woodland Lake Trail.
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