The Arapaho Lakes are located 3.65 miles from East Portal Trailhead in the James Peak Wilderness. This plurality is subjective, as the two main lakes are separated by only a thin band of sedge and talus, making it possible to view and even fish both simultaneously. Challenging terrain and a degraded trail keep crowds light, making this an ideal choice for equipped hikers during peak summer months.

The Arapaho Lakes Trail climbs over 870' in just .9 miles from the Forest Lakes Trail to the lakes

The Arapaho Lakes are one of five lake clusters located in adjacent E-W valleys off the Continental Divide between James Peak (south) and Rollins Pass (north)

Indian Paintbrush belongs to a genus of 200 species of partially or fully parasitic plants that derive nourishment from the roots of other plants

After a very steep climb along Arapaho Creek, the trail clarifies and travel moderates through treeline into a big alpine playground

The Arapaho Lakes Trail has degraded in recent years, reducing crowds at these now hard-to-reach lakes

Marmots breed soon after hibernation ends, with a gestation period of 4-5 weeks and litters of 3-8 young

Travel is quick from East Portal through intervals of aspen, fir and meadows to the Forest Lakes - Arapaho Lakes Trail split

Sunflowers are in the genus Helianthus, which comprises the Greek word 'Helios' (sun), and 'Anthos' (flower)

Only a thin band of talus and sedge separates the Arapaho Lakes, making it possible to fish both at the same time

Haustorium on the roots of Indian Paintbrush physically connect this parasitic plant to the host root

The main lake's open, level shore is ideal for fishing and easy to explore

Bistort roots have starchy roots that provide valuable nutrients to alpine birds and mammals

It's possible to scale the Continental Divide above Arapaho Lakes and navigate south to the seldom-seen Iceberg Lakes

Portions of the lakes are hemmed by thick willow, but there's plenty of open space that's easy to explore