Arapaho Lakes - 7.1 Miles Round-Trip

The Arapaho Lakes (11,172') are located 3.65 miles from East Portal Trailhead in the James Peak Wilderness. The plurality is subjective, as the two main lakes are separated by only a thin band of sedge and talus, making it possible to view, explore and even fish both simultaneously. The Arapaho Lakes access trail is no longer maintained or marked, so good map and terrain-reading skills are necessary.

Trail Map | Photo Gallery

While the Forest Lakes Trail corridor is moderate, travel is considerably more difficult on a steep, eroded trail that breaks west up Arapaho Creek to its source at the lakes. Challenging terrain and navigation keep crowds light, making this an ideal choice for equipped hikers during peak summer months:

Follow signs right (north) of Moffat Tunnel to the South Boulder Creek Trail; stay on this trail and be mindful of adjacent private property. It rises west of the tunnel through mixed forest and glades to the Arapaho Lakes - Forest Lakes Trail split (1.25 miles : 9,555').

The Forest Lake Trail bends north to a bridge over Arapaho Creek (1.75 miles : 9,877'). Once over it enters a thick spruce-fir forest and steepens beside the creek to a second Arapaho Lakes - Forest Lakes Trail split (2.3 miles : 10,185'), which is no longer marked and blocked by sticks to discourage travel.

Anticipate this point, as the sign may be knocked down. Turn left down to Arapaho Creek. Note that social trails in this vicinity may lead to the creek, but not the precise crossing. The exact point is important to find as what lies beyond lacks clarity.

The trail crosses the creek on a dilapidated bridge to the west bank (2.65 miles : 10,299'), and levels north for a short time before making a decisive turn west that begins a strenuous push up-valley.

This vague, cluttered segment climbs nearly 650' in just .5 miles along Arapaho Creek. It's likely that you'll lose track once or twice, but easy to regain so long as you stay in audible range. A sudden left-right switchback (2.95 miles : 10,686') signals proximity to more moderate terrain.

In 3.2 miles (10,985') the forest thins and travel eases in the upper valley. A better path rises through treeline and bends sharply south across the upper-valley on a final push to the first Arapaho Lake. The main trail deposits you on its NE corner (3.55 miles : 11,172'), from which obstacle-free paths lead to higher points and the second lake.

A low ridge over the first lake's east shore yields terrific views and a glimpse of the second, which lies .3 miles west and nearly flush with the first.

Walk the first lake's flat south shore to the second, which fills a placid bowl directly below the Divide. Another social trail leads NW to a small tarn between the lakes and perennial snowfields along the Divide.