Doyle Spring via Inner Basin Trail

The hike to Doyle Spring via Inner Basin Trail leads you to a spring in a basin that is underneath the tallest mountains in the state, and the path to it takes you through a beautiful aspen forest. In the fall when the aspens turn color, this is an even more enjoyable hike. Note that this isn’t the Lockett Meadow Loop, which is the most popular trail in this area (we have a route guide for it if that’s what you’re after!).

This hike takes you through beautifully varied terrain, leading from the campsite through the pine trees and aspens and up to the foothills, where the mountain views are visible. We recommend this hike either when the wildflowers are in bloom, which tends to be early-mid summer, or when the fall colors are at their best, which is normally late September through late October.

Note that the road to the trailhead is precarious, with steep, winding curves and narrow lanes. We do not recommend the drive for trailers, RVs, or large vehicles. The road is closed in the winter. The trailhead for Doyle Spring via Inner Basin Trail is at the very back of the day-use parking area. You’ll start by hiking through a mature pine forest. The pine trees give way to aspens before you begin a set of switchbacks towards the inner basin. Continue up to the spring, hiking through the trees. Where the route ends at the spring, turn back and retrace your steps.