forest lakes

Description: Some of the names might be familiar to you. Bob and Betty, Isabelle, Blue, Crater, Dorothy, Heart, Forest, Diamond, Jenny, Yankee Doodle, Mitchell, Long, Rainbow and many more. These are the alpine lakes of the Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness Areas. They are all rare and beautiful gems placed in Mother Nature’s craggy tiara, the eastern face of the Continental Divide just west of Boulder. Each of these lakes has their own unique identity, but with very few exceptions all have one thing in common. They are not easy to access. By the nature of their name, these alpine lakes are typically found above 10,500’, with a few nestled in glacier carved cirques higher than 12,000’. For most of us who don’t aspire to be Jeremiah Johnsons that means these lakes are only accessible between a mid-July thaw and late-September, when new snow begins to hide their trails again. But, even during these two and a half months when the lakes shake their icy coats, it can be an investment in time and sweat to reach them. Beyond Boulder has only two alpine lake hikes considered to be easy hikes, Long Lake and Mitchell Lake. They are incredibly beautiful lakes in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area and should be accessible to just about everyone visiting Boulder who wishes to make the hike. However, the vast majority of the alpine lakes are accessible only via longer, more strenuous trails.

The Forest Lakes are two of them that, while more difficult to reach, are well worth the effort. Combined with their remoteness, proximity to the Continental Divide and location on the fringe of the alpine tree line, they make for two of the most breathtaking lakes within an easy drive from Boulder. Especially on a hot summer day in Boulder when the temperatures are much cooler in the high mountains.

Challenge Level: Difficult, 9.0 Miles, 1,700' Total Elevation Gain, 4-6 Hours.  Forest Lakes is one of the longest hikes on this website which is one reason it receives a difficult rating. The other reasons include altitude as it gains 1,700’ while rising to 10,900’ near the tree line, and the ascent can be rocky and steep at times. On the plus side, for the vast majority of the hike you are in the canopy of conifer trees offering plenty of shade. On the July, 2019 day a friend and I last hiked this trail there was still a small bridge out just beyond the split onto the Forest Lakes trail. There was a log across the brook near the outage that made the crossing possible, but just be aware, while not too difficult, there could be a fording required. Please let me know if you find the bridge has been replaced!

Mr. Moffat’s Tunnel: It’s pretty clear as you approach the trailhead for Forest Lakes that there is much, much more than a parking area here. The large concrete bunker with the gaping hole you see is the east portal of the Moffat Tunnel, and the tunnel has some grand history behind it. If you are interested in learning more about David Moffat, his tunnel, and how it came to be, check out our blog article: Denying The Divide.

Driving Directions and Trailhead: East Portal, Moffat Tunnel Parking Area.  The drive to the trailhead is about an hour from downtown Boulder. Head west on CO-119/Boulder Canyon Dr/Canyon Blvd toward Nederland. At the traffic circle in Nederland, take the 3rd exit onto CO-119/N Bridge St and continue for 4.8 miles until you come to the town of Rollinsville. Turn right onto Main St/E Portal Rd. The road quickly turns to dirt and will cross the train tracks and S Boulder Creek several times. After 8 miles the road will end at a large trailhead parking area. You will see the trailhead signage and a register to the northwest of the parking area. Sign the register and be one your way!

Trail Guide: Heading west from the trailhead the S. Boulder Creek trail winds behind the east portal, crossing a couple of drainages before paralleling S Boulder Creek as it makes its way toward Rogers Pass. At 1.3 miles you will arrive at the junction of the Forest Lakes trail. Turn right onto Forest Lakes, quickly crossing a small stream. The trail becomes steeper and rockier with much of the path covered in ‘baby heads’, bowling ball-sized rocks embedded in the trail. After two miles on the FLT the trail begins to flatten out, the trees start to thin and you will soon see the first of the two Forest Lakes on your right. You will have great views of this lake as you make your way around the south and west sides to continue uphill toward the second lake. About a half-mile from the first lake you will start to get glimpses of the second Forest Lake through the trees to the left. There is a trail that circles much of the lake on both sides, offering some great photo opportunities of the lake and the Continental Divide on the ridge line. I’m told that between the two lakes, not too far off the trail, is the wreckage of an old place that crashed on the divide. I have not seen it, but keep an eye out and please let me know if you do!

Map Resources: US Forest Service Geo-Enabled PDF of East Portal

Après Hike: No doubt, after nine miles of hiking out and back to two beautiful, clear, clean lakes you’ll be thinking that a cold craft beer would hit the spot. Make your way back to Nederland and check out the Very Nice Brewing Company. I’d heard good things about them from some craft-head friends, so I headed their way and planted myself onto a stool at the bar of their Caribou Village Shopping Center tap room for a pint (or two) of their Royal We IPA. I was not disappointed. Give them a try next time you are in Nederland! You'll find them located at 20 Lakeview Dr Suite 112, Nederland, CO 80466.

Picnicking: No designated areas, but lots of great spots for relaxing and eating at both lakes.

Restrooms:  Yes, at trailhead.

Dog Friendly: Yes.

Cell Service: Sketchy, at best.