Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest
Lost Lake Trail #813

The Lost Lake Trail is about 1.4 miles long (one way), sees moderate use from June through October (open year round) and is rated as More Difficult.

Elevations:

• Hessie Trailhead: 9,000'
• Lost Lake: 9,800'

USGS Maps: Nederland Quad

Trailhead Location: From Peak-to-Peak Highway (Highway 119/72), turn west on County Road 130, located just south of the center of the town of Nederland, and follow the signs for Eldora Ski Resort and the town of Eldora. At the fork in the road, keep right, through the town of Eldora. At the end of town, continue westward after the pavement ends, going to the left at the next fork in the road for Hessie Trailhead. This trailhead sees extremely high use, especially on weekends, and parking is limited. Plan to arrive early and watch for signs along the road indicating legal parking spots.

A stretch of the road from County Road 130 to the Hessie Trailhead is a cobblestone creek bed. It carries water year round and runs heavily in the late spring and early summer. It is passable by 2-wheel drive vehicles; however, high clearance is highly recommended. There is a parallel trail so hikers can bypass the water.

If you choose to skip driving through the water and park on the 4th of July Road, take the quarter-mile long Columbine Trail, which starts at the bottom of the first hill just before the creekbed. It is a recently constructed trail that bypasses the flooded part of the road and comes in at the Hessie Townsite. From the Townsite, the road continues rough and with large mud puddles for another quarter-mile to the Hessie Trailhead. There is very little parking at the trailhead itself.

From the trailhead, cross the footbridge and take the Devil's Thumb Trail #902, which climbs steeply for about a half-mile on an old jeep trail. The Devil's Thumb Bypass turns right (north) in 0.8 miles, just before the bridge. Do not take the Devil's Thumb Bypass, as it does not pass the Lost Lake Trail junction.

It is 1.1 miles from the trailhead to the Lost Lake Trail junction right at the top of a hill. Turn left (south) following signs for Lost Lake Trail #813. The lake is up another half-mile on a good trail. There are abandoned mine sites on the hillside above.

Backcountry camping is allowed, but campers must camp in designated backcountry sites.