Forest Lakes, East Portal Trailhead, Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, Colorado
Forest Lakes - 7.8 miles
East Portal Trailhead
| Round-Trip Length: | 7.8 miles (includes both lakes) |
| Start-End Elevation: | 9,211' - 10,852' (10,883' max elevation) |
| Elevation Change: | +1,641' net elevation gain (+1,729' total roundtrip elevation gain) |
| Skill Level: | Moderate |
| Dogs Allowed: | Yes |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
Forest Lakes - 7.8 Miles Round-Trip
The Forest Lakes are located 3.9 miles from East Portal Trailhead in the James Peak Wilderness. The first lake occupies a marshy flat below treeline; the second, much larger lake fills a deep bowl at treeline below Rollins Pass and the Continental Divide. There are several outlying ponds that require off-trail navigation to reach.
A short trail runs down from Rollins Pass Road to the upper lake, though access is limited by difficult driving conditions and occasional closures. Hikers and runners starting from East Portal will enjoy moderate grades, abundant flowers and excellent fishing on the way to Forest Lakes:
Follow signs right (north) of Moffat Tunnel to the South Boulder Creek Trail; stay on this trail and be mindful of private property. A wide path 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 by the creek to a second Arapaho Lakes - Forest Lakes Trail split (2.3 miles : 10,185').
The trail continues north in a thinning forest on a faint, shifting path to a footbridge over the outlet of Forest Lake #1 (3.15 miles : 10,664'). It follows the stream through a marsh to the south shore of Forest Lake #1 (3.25 miles).
Most of the lake is accessible - the south and east sides shaded while the north is an open meadow. The lake is relatively small and easy for anglers to circle.
Contrary to some map depictions the main trail continues up the west side of Forest Lake #1. It rises then drops to wooden planks over a marshy inlet (3.4 miles), then turns sharply uphill on a rugged path.
The narrow, uneven trail negotiates minor obstacles and a small talus field (3.55 miles : 10,767') while veering away from the stream to its apogee (3.8 miles : 10,883'). Here it drops through a dismantled forest to the northeast corner of Forest Lake #2 (3.9 miles : 10,852').
Much of the shore - though rugged and obstructed in places - is accessible by social trail; its size and many contours afford privacy and space, even when crowded. Forest Lake's SE corner opens to a marshy meadow with good morning light, and useful perspective on the local topography.
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N39 54.181 W105 38.660 — 0.0 miles : East Portal Trailhead
- N39 54.103 W105 38.879 — .25 miles : James Peak Wilderness backcountry board
- N39 53.601 W105 39.628 — 1.25 miles : Arapaho Lakes - Forest Lakes Trail junction
- N39 54.072 W105 39.399 — 1.75 miles : Cross Arapaho Creek
- N39 54.435 W105 39.661 — 2.3 : Arapaho Lakes - Forest Lakes Trail junction #2
- N39 54.796 W105 39.856 — 2.8 mile mark
- N39 54.976 W105 40.021 — 3.15 miles : Cross footbridge near Forest Lake #1
- N39 55.015 W105 40.062 — 3.25 miles : Forest Lake #1
- N39 55.076 W105 40.122 — 3.4 miles : Begin climb up Forest Lake #1 inlet
- N39 55.194 W105 40.149 — 3.55 miles : Cross left through small talus field
- N39 55.319 W105 40.268 — 3.8 miles : Trail crests; begin drop to lake
- N39 55.336 W105 40.369 — 3.9 miles : Forest Lake #2
Worth Noting
- The Forest Lakes are part of a heavily used trail system and very popular among anglers. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds.
- Be mindful of changing weather conditions and get below treeline before storms organize.
- Snow may linger into late summer and obscure portions of the trail. Carry an updated topographical map, be patient with route finding and tread lightly to minimize erosion.
Camping and Backpacking Information
- Permits are not required but it's advisable to contact the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest Service or Boulder Ranger District in advance for the latest updates and conditions.
- Group size is limited to 12 people or people and packstock combined.
- Campfires are prohibited unless otherwise states.
- Camping is prohibited within 100' of lakes, streams and trails.
- Pets must be on a handheld leash at all times.
- Group size is limited to 12 people or people and packstock combined.
Fishing Information
- Fishing is permitted with a valid Colorado state fishing license. Contact the Boulder Ranger District for current regulations (303.541.2500).
Directions to Trailhead
The East Portal Trailhead is located at the end of Rollins Pass Road, an 8.2 mile dirt road west of Highway 119. Rollins Pass Road is located 4.9 miles south of Nederland, Colorado.
The dirt road is well-maintained but conditions deteriorate when wet.
From Highway 119, turn west on Rollins Pass Road and Keep Straight until it dead-ends at the Moffat Tunnel. Ignore turnoffs that climb toward the pass.
Contact Information
Boulder Ranger District
2140 Yarmouth Avenue
Boulder, CO 80301
303.541.2500
Sulphur Ranger District
9 Ten Mile Drive
P.O. Box 10
Granby, Colorado 80446
970.887.4100
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