Minotaur Lake Trail

For those who want to get a real workout in without going too far, Minotaur Lake is perfect. Grab your poles and prepare for a gruelling short ascent to a picturesque lake. We love this hike in the autumn colors, but it’s great in the summer too.

Begin from the trailhead and begin the climb up. The route wastes no time in steepening, and the first mile or so will be the worst of it. Once you pass the wilderness sign, expect things to even out just a bit. Catch your breath up at Minotaur Lake, perhaps taking the steep but short side trip to Theseus Lake just east of you. If you don’t want to take on the steep drop to Theseus, you can look over it from the ridge beside Minotaur Lake.

When you’re ready, turn back and begin the knee-crushing descent. As we said, poles are a must here.