King Lake Trail
Description:
The
King Lake Trail can be reached from the Devils Thumb Trail on the east and
the Corona Trail on the west. The trail begins on the Devils Thumb Trail at
an elevation of 9620 feet and climbs steadily for 4.5 miles to an elevation
of 11640 feet at its junction with the Corona trail. It makes a gradual climb
along the north side of the South Fork of Middle Boulder Creek for about three
miles until it begins a steep 1.5 mile climb to King Lake and the Corona Trail.
The trail travels through spruce forest interspersed with wet meadows. It
intersects the Bob and Betty Lakes Trail just before crossing a stream. The
right fork goes to Bob and Betty Lakes while the left climbs .75 miles to
King Lake and the Corona Trail. From this point the terrain is more open with
low growing willows and small spruce trees.
The
Corona Pass Trailhead can be reached by vehicle via the Moffat Road. It is
a short distance (.4 miles) from the trailhead to the King Lake Trail. King
Lake is just below the trail.
This
trail is located in the Middle Boulder 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 heavily used for day hiking but sees low
use for overnight camping. The trail is of moderate difficulty. King Lake
contains rainbow and cutthroat trout.
Features:
| Length: |
4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers) |
| Elevation Range: |
9,624' - 11,648' |
| Elevation change: |
2,024 feet |
| Season: |
July 1 - Sept 15 |
| Difficulty: |
Moderate |
| Use: |
High |
| USGS maps: |
East Portal, Nederland |
| Trailheads: |
Hessie, Rollins Pass |
| Restrictions: |
Pets must be on a leash, no open fires |
| Suitable for mountain bikes: |
No (not permitted in wilderness) |
| Suitable for horses: |
Yes |
Vicinity Map
Altitude Profile
Other
Nearby Resources:
Directions:
The
King Lake Trail is located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness and can be reached
on the west from the Rollins Pass Trailhead and on the east via the Devils Thumb
Trail from the Hessie Trailhead. Take the Moffat Road (Forest Road 149) east
from Winter Park for about 14 miles to the Rollins Pass Trailhead. Travel .4
miles to the west end of the King Lake Trail.
Take
County Road 130 west from Nederland about 5 miles to the Hessie Trailhead. Travel
about 1.1 miles on the Devils Thumb Trail to its intersection with the King
Lake Trail.
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