Carson National Forest
Canjilon Lakes - Trout Lakes Trails

Canjilon Ranger District

Elevations:

• Trail Beginning: 9,900 ft at Canjilon Campground
• Trail End: 10,802 ft, about 2 miles past Canjilon Mountain Peak

The Canjilon Lakes Loop Trail is about 9 miles long, turning back at Canjilon Meadows and Cabin Lookout. The trail to Trout Lakes is about 4.5 miles long, starting out from Cabin Lookout. To get here, go 30 miles north of Abiquiu, then turn east on State Road 115 to the town of Canjilon. Turn left on County Road 280 which meets Forest Road 559, go about 7 miles to Forest Road 129 which leads to the Canjilon Lakes Campgrounds. There are trailheads at the Lower Lakes Campground and at the Upper Lakes picnic area.

From Canjilon Lakes Campground, the trail climbs Canjilon Mountain. At the Cabin Lookout you can choose to continue on the Canjilon Loop and return to the campgrounds or continue north 4.5 miles to Trout Lakes. This is high country hiking through meadows and forests of mixed conifer and aspen. Both lake areas offer camping and lots of good fishing.

No motorized vehicles are allowed on the hiking trails. Some of these Forests Roads are 4WD only. Both lake area campgrounds have dumpsters and pit toilets.

To drive to Trout Lakes, turn off Highway 84 about 2 miles north of the intersection with State Road 115 on Forest Road 125. Go east about 8 miles to Trout Lakes.

Rating: Moderate to difficult high altitude hiking