Trail Description

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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.

The trail begins on a steep dirt road lined with aspens and wildflowers, merging with the South Fork of Middle Boulder Creek at the King Lake - Devils Thumb Bypass Trail junction (.85 miles : 9,455'). Bear left over the creek toward King Lake. The trail rises sharply along the creek to the Lost Lake Trail junction (1.1 miles : 9,582’), beyond which it eases to a meadow at the King Lake – Woodland Lake Trail junction (1.3 miles : 9,600’). Veer left.

The trail enters a non-descript pine forest and climbs steadily for the better part of 2.5 miles with little scenic or exertive variation up the south flank of Woodland Mountain. A dense forest limits views but never fully envelops the trail, allowing a measure of insight to its quiet subtleties. The South Fork of Middle Boulder Creek is in audible range much of the way, but its location remains elusive through the dark timber.

Travel briefly relaxes in a verdant meadow beneath Guinn Mountain’s east ridge (3.85 miles : 10,437’), beyond which the tumbling creek and trail merge in a thinning forest lit by wildflower collages and clearing views. The trail abruptly banks right up a steep ridge on winding switchbacks (4.75 miles : 10,904’), leveling off near treeline at the King Lake – Bob and Betty Lakes Trail junction (5.0 miles : 11,108’). Assess the terrain ahead before crossing left over the creek, which flows heavily and may obscure the immediate path.

The trail rises quickly in a surreal alpine landscape with some of the Indian Peaks’ most generous panoramas. A brilliant medley of wildflowers line the well-cut but occasionally overgrown or snow-covered path. Following a good map and the valley’s pronounced contours should mitigate minor navigational challenges on this final approach. Be cognizant of an unmarked spur (5.25 miles : 11,339’) that veers right to a scenic pond before reaching King Lake; those with time should make a point of exploring this area on the return.

A few minutes ahead another unmarked spur branches right (5.38 miles) – this is King Lake (5.4 miles : 11,430’). King Lake’s east and north shores are level and accessible, but its west shore is formidably guarded by the cirque-defining Continental Divide. The trail continues above the lake atop the cirque wall to the Continental Divide and High Lonesome Trail junction (5.75 miles : 11,657’). This maintained route yields a commanding view of the King Lake cirque below, and rangy look down the yawning valley through which you've traveled to reach it.

Consider taking a few steps along the High Lonesome Trail to fully experience the spacious tundra and views of the James Peak Wilderness, Gore Range and Winter Park Ski Area.

GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84

• N39 57.100 W105 35.696 - 2WD Parking Area for Hessie Trailhead

• N39 57.278 W105 36.192 - Hessie Trailhead

• N39 57.330 W105 36.780 - .85 miles : King Lake - Devils Thumb Bypass split

• N39 57.265 W105 37.000 - 1.1 miles : Lost Lake Trail split

• N39 57.251 W105 37.193 - 1.3 miles : King Lake - Woodland Lake Trail split

• N39 56.962 W105 38.698 - 2.75 miles : Travel up-valley in dense forest

• N39 56.839 W105 39.435 - 3.45 miles : Travel continues up-valley in dense forest

• N39 56.719 W105 40.228 - 4.2 miles : Trail closely follows creek

• N39 56.608 W105 40.753 - 4.75 miles : Begin switchbacks up steep ridge

• N39 56.599 W105 40.902 - 5.0 miles : King Lake - Betty and Bob Lakes split

• N39 56.583 W105 41.124 - 5.25 miles : Unmarked spur to pond

• N39 56.477 W105 41.169 - 5.4 miles : King Lake

• N39 56.314 W105 41.175 - 5.65 miles : Trail continues to High Lonesome Trail

• N39 56.260 W105 41.236 - 5.75 miles : King Lake Trail - High Lonesome Trail junc.

Worth Noting

• The King Lake Trail's upper reaches remain snow-covered and muddy well into summer; be patient with route finding and help minimize erosion by staying on the trail.



• The High Lonesome Trail can be traveled a short distance north to the Devil's Thumb Trail. You can take this back to the Hessie Trailhead for an exhilarating 17 mile loop.



• This is a heavily used trail artery and popular destination. Get an early start to secure parking and avoid crowds.


• Storms can organize quickly over the Continental Divide. Monitor skies closely and get below treeline before clouds accumulate.

Camping and Backpacking Information

• Permits are required for all overnight campers June 1 - September 15.



• Permits are required year-round for day and overnight use by large groups (8+) or organizational groups such as scouts, churches, schools and hiking clubs.



• Group size is limited to 12 people or people and packstock combined.



• Campfires are prohibited east side of the Continental Divide, as well as Caribou Lake, Columbine Lake, Gourd Lake, Crater Lake and in the Cascade Creek drainage above Cascade Falls.



• Pets must be on a handheld leash at all times.



• Camping is permitted only at designated campsites in the Diamond, Jasper, Crater and Caribou Lakes Backcountry Zones.



• Camping is prohibited in the Four Lakes Backcountry Zone (Mitchell, Blue, Long, Isabelle) May 1 - Nov 30.



• Camping is prohibited within 100’ of lakes, streams and trails.



• Packstock are prohibited in the Four Lakes Backcountry Zone, in the Cascade Backcountry Zone above Cascade Falls and on the Diamond Lake Trail #975.

Directions to Trailhead

King Lake is accessed from the Hessie Trailhead in the Indian Peaks Wilderness near Nederland, Colorado.

From downtown Nederland, go south on Highway 72 for .5 miles to County Road 130 and make a right. You will see a sign for Eldora Ski Resort at this junction. Continue on Highway 130 through the town of Eldora, just past which it becomes a dirt road (4 miles). 2WD drive conditions end 4.8 miles from the Highway 72 turnoff. 4WD vehicles may veer left at this demarcation and continue another .5 miles to the trailhead. Others will have to park at one of the limited roadside spaces and walk the 4WD road to the Hessie Trailhead.

Contact Information

Boulder Ranger District
2140 Yarmouth Avenue
Boulder, CO 80301
Phone: 303.541.2500