Nolan Lake Trail

While the Nolan Lake Trail isn’t an overly challenging hike, it does feature some steep terrain and can at times be rocky and uneven underfoot. You will want to wear proper hiking boots with good support, and bring plenty of water for this hike. Additionally, the road leading into the trailhead is fairly rugged and will require a 4×4 vehicle, but GPS navigation to the trailhead is often incorrect. Simply follow the signs for Fulford Town and you will arrive at the trailhead without much of an issue. Lastly, bears are often seen in the area, so make sure to bring bear spray and observe best practices to avoid a potentially dangerous encounter.

Whether you are a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a casual hiker who enjoys getting out on the weekend, the Nolan Lake Trail is a fantastic route to enjoy the Elk Mountains of Colorado. The rugged terrain here will offer a bit of a challenge without being overly difficult, and the views from beside the lake are stunning, making this an ideal route for a variety of skill levels.

Setting out from the parking area, you will head to the southeast and pass through a small stretch of forest, before traversing a small clearing and re-entering the dense tree cover. Working your way uphill, you will follow a path that runs roughly parallel to Nolan Creek as it climbs up the hillside.
As you work your way through the small valley, you will have intermittent views of the surrounding mountains through breaks in the tree cover, including New York Mountain to the northwest and Craig Peak to the south.

Eventually, the trail will bend to the south and cross over Nolan Creek, leading you through the last bit of forest before arriving at the charming shores of Nolan Lake. Here, you will be able to explore the landscape surrounding the lake, or relax by the water’s edge while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding peaks and forests. After spending some time in this lovely setting, you can simply follow the same trail back downhill to arrive at the starting point of the Nolan Lake Trail.