Cataract Loop Trail - 2.25 Miles Round-Trip

Lower Cataract Lake is located 25 miles northwest of Silverthorne, CO in the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area. The Cataract Loop Trail circles the lake on mild terrain that's well suited for families, runners, anglers and winter recreation.

Trail Map | Photo Gallery

Though short, visitors will enjoy diverse ecotones that include open sage fields, thick aspen groves, dense spruce-fir forests and leafy riparian zones around the lake and its inlet stream.

Three paths emanate from the Lower Cataract Lake Loop Trailhead. The left and right forks follow the loop trail, while the middle provides direct access to the lake. The following description follows the left fork and travels clockwise around the lake:

The Cataract Loop Trail drops across the outlet stream and rises up the lake's southeast shore with good views of aspen-sage studded hillsides to the north. It officially enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area (.17 miles : 8,644') and levels on a SW heading above the lake through open scrub.

The trail is gradually enveloped by columns of spruce as it wraps around the lake's west side and enters a notably tall pine forest (1.0 miles : 8,661').

The trail shifts quickly through dark timber to a long bridge spanning Lower Cataract Lake's primary inlet (1.2 miles : 8,684'), born from Tipperary Lake directly to the south.

It soon emerges on the lake's marshy west shore, a good place to see waterfowl. The trail bends northeast (1.5 miles : 8,666') and undulates to the loop's highest point (8,805') with excellent views across the lake basin and a glimpse of some of the Gore Range's tallest peaks.

Travel moderates along the north shore through a diverting stretch of aspen, some of considerably size and girth. The trail merges with a private road (2.1 miles : 8,704') and glides gently back to the trailhead to complete the loop (2.25 miles : 8,652').