Whitney Lake is located 2.62 miles from Homestake Road in the Holy Cross Wilderness. It lies at the base of Whitney Peak (13,271') in a thick subalpine forest. The short hike is highlighted by verdant aspen groves, flower-covered slopes and good fishing at the lake.

The Whitney Lake Trail begins on Homestake Road, which traces Homestake Creek and its many pools and ponds up to Homestake Reservoir

Aspen trees may flower after 2 - 3 years, but won't produce significant seed quantities for 10 - 20 years

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

Small breaks in the forest reveal partial views of peaks that frame the Missouri Creek and Fancy Creek watersheds

Larkspur's genus name 'Delphinium' is related to the word 'dolphin', a reference to the shape of the flower's buds

The Whitney Lake Trail passes through two large open slopes, great places to see wildlife and flowers

Geranium are sometimes referred to as 'Cranesbill', a derivative of its Greek-inspired Genus name

The unpleasant smell of skunk cabbage is a byproduct of its high rate of oxygen consumption, but serves the plant well in attracting certain pollinating insects

Whitney Lake (10,956') and Whitney Peak (13,271')

Aspen are among the first trees and plants to reclaim disturbed areas, reproducing quickly from a shared root system

Arnica and its extracts are used in homeopathic remedies, with purported anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties

The Whitney Lake Trail's open slopes and south-facing position clears it of snow before many others at similar elevations in the Holy Cross

Bluebells or Chiming Bells (Mertensia family) are common in damp subalpine areas; the flowers have both male and female organs

The Whitney Lake Trail climbs over 1800' in just 2.6 miles to the lake

Two large, open slopes separate three aspen groves en route to the lake

Whitney Lake is a good choice for families, and comes highly recommended for colorful foliage in the fall