Hessie Trailhead: King Lake, Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, Colorado
Hessie Trailhead: King Lake
Indian Peaks Wilderness Area
King Lake sits beneath the Continental Divide in a deep cirque basin. The broad alpine valley it shares with Betty and Bob Lakes is arguably one of the Indian Peak’s most dramatic, highlighted by numerous glaciers, streams, outlying ponds and a stunning collection of summer wildflowers. The trail continues .35 miles above King Lake to the Continental Divide, where it joins the High Lonesome Trail near Rogers Pass in the open tundra.
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The King Lake Trail rises through spectacular alpine country
Colorado Columbines are one of many wildflower species found along the King Lake Trail
King Lake rests in a deep cirque basin at 11,430'
The High Lonesome Trail is accessible from King Lake and runs atop the Continental Divide
Looking down upon King Lake's cirque from the High Lonesome Trail
Rising up the south rim of King Lake
Asters take in sun off the King Lake Trail
King Lake
Miles of open tundra along the High Lonesome Trail
Northeast views from the High Lonesome Trail
Level tundra benches invite exploration
Portions of the unmaintained trail above King Lake are snow covered throughout the year
The rocky north shore of King Lake
An unmarked spur near King Lake leads off the main trail to this scenic alpine pond
Glacial melt braids the upper valley forming perrenial streams and ponds
Glaciers carved the valley below King Lake
The King Lake Valley is considered one of the most scenic in the Indian Peaks Wilderness
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