Lila Lakes Trail

Lila Lakes Trail provides access to several gorgeous alpine lakes, including Rachel Lake, Lila Lake, and optionally to Rampart Lakes. While this 11-mile trek is mostly forested on the way up, the views at the lakes make it well worth the trip. Most of the hike is moderate until the last approach to Rachel Lake, which steepens. Hikers continuing to Lila Lakes will contend with more steep terrain.

Parts of the trail are a bit overgrown, particularly on the extensions to Rampart and Lila Lakes. Download your route if you’re concerned about navigation. Adventurous hikers can also continue up Alta Mountain from Lila Lakes for a birds-eye view of the whole scene.

From the trailhead at the end of the road, take the obvious trail into the forest. It’s wooded for the majority of the trail, but trust that the views will come. The route starts out fairly mild and progressively gets steeper and rockier as you get closer to Rachel Lake.

Watch for small waterfalls as you go, which are nice distractions from the steepening trail. It’s 3.5mi to Rachel Lake. The last approach to the lake is quite a bit steeper and rockier than the rest of the trail, so take a moment to rest on the shores when you get there.

At the lake, look for the signage that points to the “Trail.” Yes, that’s all it says. Follow this around the north side of the lake, then west. You’ll climb switchbacks up a ridge that are fairly steep.

Atop the ridge, look for a trail to your right. Follow this, unless you want to add a detour to Rampart Lakes, in which case you should head left.

0.3mi later, reach another junction. If you want to detour up Alta Mountain, go left. To continue to Lila Lake, go straight.

Cross a talus slope and reach a small unnamed lake. Go around the right side of this tarn and then keep an eye out for a small trail on your right. Ending up at a rocky overlook of Lila Lake means you missed this trail.

On the faint trail, head down to the lake on a section of trail that is occasionally steep and wet. Finally on the shores of Lila Lake, rest up for a while as you enjoy the views. There is camping here, or you can just take a moment on the lakeshore before beginning the return journey, which follows the same route back.

Hiking Route Highlights

Rachel Lake

Rachel Lake adorns the eastern side of Rampart Ridge. This 25-acre lake is at an elevation of 4665ft and is a popular hiking and fishing destination. Hikers also enjoy swimming in Rachel Lake on hot days. Fishers can try to catch cutthroat trout.

Lila Lake

Little 2.8-acre Lila Lake is ticked under the southern face of Alta Mountain. This pretty blue gem is a hiking destination, but it’s also used for swimming, fishing, and camping. The lake is at an elevation of 5197ft and can be accessed from Rachel Lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I swim at Rachel Lake and Lila Lake?

Yes, swimming is permitted in both lakes. They may be chilly!

Can you camp at Rachel Lake and Lila Lake?

Yes, there are several campsites around both lakes.

Can you fish at Rachel Lake and Lila Lake?

You can fish at both lakes. Rachel has cutthroat trout and Lila has rainbow trout.