Stone Lake - 12.3 Miles Round-Trip

Stone Lake is located 6.15 miles from Roaring Fork Trailhead in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. This challenging hike begins at Lake Granby and follows the Roaring Fork drainage up to Irving Hale Pass. It rolls through airy meadows before diving steeply into Hell Canyon and rising back to Stone Lake.

Trail Map | Photo Gallery

Upper Stone Lake is located .4 miles ahead at the top of Hell Canyon between Hiamovi Mountain (12,395') and Cooper Peak (12,296'). The lakes are aptly named for large rock features that form the basin, though the lakes themselves are surrounded by gentle terrain ideal for camping and exploration.

Stone Lake sees less traffic than nearby Mirror, Crater and Gourd lakes, primarily for the degree of difficulty. The Stone Lakes compare favorably to each, with greater diversity along the way:

The trail runs level around Pete’s Cove to the IPW Boundary (.18 miles), past which it climbs 810’ in just .8 miles to a bridge across the Roaring Fork (1.0 miles : 9,172’). Enjoy views over Granby and a colorful mix of aspen and thimbleberries on this challenging segment.

Travel eases up the north side of the creek in a progressively healthier forest (1.5 miles : 9,295’). Despite some beetle damage, the herbaceous layer is verdant and diversely vegetated.

The trail rises in short spurts to bridges at 2.35 miles and 2.58 miles into a damp clearing at the Watanga Lake Trail split (2.65 miles : 9,805’). There’s good camping in this area, and the last level terrain before reaching the pass.

The Roaring Fork Trail splits right up the south valley wall on a steady, leg-burning climb in a healthier forest. This shaded north-facing slope can hold snow well into June and make travel difficult, especially with heavy packs.

Grades finally moderate across the first of several large glades (3.7 miles : 10,855’) that open to airy meadows on Mount Irving Hale Pass (4.1 miles : 11,195’). This is a great place to camp, explore and look for wildlife - particularly elk. It’s also a fine turnaround point if not aiming for the lakes.

Mount Irving Hale (11,754’) stands prominently above, which can be scaled for rangy views over the meadows and Hell Canyon. Berry patches cover the area, and peak in late September.

The trail rolls through open space to cabin remains on the far end (4.75 miles : 11,095’), where it begins a steep and shifting descent down the north wall of Hell Canyon.

It loses clarity in places, which can be exacerbated by snow. Views of Crawford Lake and Long Lake briefly emerge in Hell Canyon before losing sight amid rugged terrain.

The trail gradually levels into a meadow in the upper valley, again vague in places but now with a clear heading (5.5 miles : 10,595’). It dips across before rising gently back in a thin forest to the north side of Stone Lake (6.15 miles : 10,643’).

The lake opens to grassy shorelines, rocky outcrops and elevated terraces with great views and places to camp. Rock jetties extend far into the lake with unique access for anglers.

The trail fades but easily follows the inlet stream through treeline to Upper Stone Lake (6.55 miles : 10,736').

Upper Stone Lake is surrounded by large, level meadows and a few tree-topped knolls. Hiamovi Mountain's distinct summit looms above, with an easily reached saddle near the Rocky Mountain National Park boundary. A more challenging pass to the SE can be scaled to access Cooper Peak and Island Lake on the far side.

ROUNDTRIP ELEVATION PROFILE | TRAIL MAP