Surprise Lake via Cross Creek Trail

​The Surprise Lake via Cross Creek Hike is a welcomed variation from the quintessential Colorado 14er summit hikes in the Sawatch Mountain Range. Presenting the perfect opportunity to get acclimated to the area’s altitude, this adventure is an awesome conditioning trek before a technical mountain ascent. Get your body used to the elevation and get those legs warmed up as you hike through the verdant woodlands along the waters of Cross Creek. Open year-round, this versatile trek can be enjoyed in the winter months alike; just trade your hiking boots for snowshoes! As you will be traveling into the dense forestlands, it is important to be mindful of wildlife, such as bears; some hikers wear bear bells to deter unwelcomed encounters. If you are camping overnight, make sure to tie up your rations, and don’t forget to pick up a self-issued permit at the trailhead. Note the road to the trailhead is subject to seasonal closure.

Reconnect with nature and immerse yourself in the picturesque alpine environment as you trek the Surprise Lake via Cross Creek Trail. If you are anything like us, you also love woodland adventures, especially when they involve cascades and mediative streams. Although this trail is open all year, we prefer this hike in the autumn when the aspens are at their peak vibrance. Travel through the golden forests and fresh smelling pines to the quaint alpine lake nestled beneath the timberline and flanked by snow-capped Sawatch Range peaks. What more could you ask for, right? So lace-up those hiking shoes; we are going on an adventure.

Embark on your excursion along Surprise Lake via Cross Creek Trail from the trailhead off Notch Mountain Road. From here, the Cross Creek Trail treks southwestward through vibrant aspen groves interspersed with evergreen trees. Intersecting with several snowmelt streams, the path will hug the curves of Cross Creek before opening to an alpine meadow lined with impressive granite cliffs. From the exposed meadow, you will be granted views of Notch Mountain and Mount of the Holy Cross in the south and sights of Eagle River in the northeast.

Enjoy the views, then continue southwest, back beneath the tree shade of looming pines. Shortly after leaving the meadow, you will arrive at Surprise Lake. This charming alpine lake may be small, but it is unassumingly picturesque. Encircled with grasslands and towering pines with sights of the snow-dusted Sawatch Mountains lining the horizon, this scene is a sight for sore eyes. Revel in the stunning scenery and consider setting up camp here to transform this day hike into an overnight backpacking expedition. Then, when you are ready to return, simply retrace your footing along the path all the way back to the trailhead, marking the end of your adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dogs permitted on the Cross Creek Trail?

Yes, dogs on-leash are allowed on the Cross Creek Trail.

Can you camp along the Cross Creek Trail?

Yes, dispersed backcountry camping is permitted along the Cross Creek Trail, but self-issued permits are required. See rules and regulations.

Is the Cross Creek Trail open year-round?

Yes, the Cross Creek Trail is open year-round, but the road to the trailhead is subject to seasonal closures.