Timber Lake occupies a large basin at treeline below Mt Ida (12,889') on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. A well-cut trail leads through verdant forests and lengthy meadows to Timber Lake, which is flanked by two smaller lakes. Visitors will enjoy abundant wildlife, good fishing, several backcountry campsites and easy exploration of an idyllic alpine landscape.

Timber Lake's perimeter is mostly flat and easily navigated

Elk and moose sightings are fairly common on the hike to Timber Lake

A smaller lake separated by only a thin isthmus pours into Timber Lake

The Timber Lake Trail is well-defined through the Jack Straw campsite meadow

Exploring adjacent lakes in the Timber Lake basin

Columbine was adopted as the state flower of Colorado on April 4, 1899

Looking north across the Timber Lake basin from its south shore

A steep climb past the Long Meadows trail split levels in this long alpine meadow

Unnamed peaks form a large box canyon around Timber Lake

Morning travelers will find optimal lighting from Timber Lake's southeast corner

Those with time should consider an excursion to Long Meadows, the longest meadow system of RMNP's interior mountains