Bismarck Lake Trail

The Bismarck Lake Trail is a great pick for a short hike with good scenery. This route doesn’t get too busy and the views are rewarding. You’ll hike through an open meadow (filled with flowers in the early summer) with views of Humphreys Peak in the distance. This route is good for families and it allows dogs. Although there isn’t a campsite here, there are places that permit backcountry camping that are quite enjoyable.

The route starts from the Bismarck Lake Trailhead Access Trail, which is off Hart Prairie Road. From the trailhead, take Bismarck Lake Trail towards the lake. It’s a very easy-to-navigate route, and the scenery is lovely, so take your time. At the lake, spend some time enjoying the shore. The trail extends a bit past the lake to the edge of a downhill slope, from where you’ll turn back and retrace your steps.

There are several other trails that connect to this one and provide the chance to extend your hike if you’d like. Should you want to do some exploring, download a map or GPS track.