Lost Lake Snowshoe Trail
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Lost Lake Snowshoe Trail
Difficulty Rating:
The snowshoe or winter hike to Lost Lake is not as daunting as the name suggests. Lost Lake is a very popular, family-friendly winter hike but that does not mean it is not worth checking out if you are not towing behind a kid or two. It offers great mountain views along with some mining history at both the trailhead and the destination!
Getting there
From Boulder, Colorado, head up Boulder Canyon 119 towards Nederland (approximately 18.0mi) and enter a traffic circle. Take the third exit out of the circle, South onto N Bridge St. / Peak to Peak Hwy. Continue through the town of Nederland and just outside, turn right onto Eldora Rd towards Eldora Ski Resort. Travel through the small town of Eldora through the only stop sign in town; arriving at a closed gate. Parking is available along the side of the road.
About
| When to do | Late November to Early April |
| Backcountry Campsites | Camping is allowed in the backcountry, no permit required. |
| Toilets | No |
| Pets allowed | Yes - On Leash |
| Family friendly | Older Children only |
| Route Signage | Good |
| Crowd Levels | Moderate |
| Route Type | Out and back |
Lost Lake
Elevation Graph
Weather
Route Description for Lost Lake
Lost Lake is a moderately easy winter hike that begins at the historic Hessie Townsite; an old mining town high in the Rocky Mountains. The Lost Lake hike offers a lot of bang for your buck, so to speak. Great views and can easily be done in a day with plenty of time to spare.
Begin the trail at the closed gate, hiking along the closed County Hwy 130 towards Hessie Trailhead, where there is a sign and map of the surrounding area. Follow the signs for Lost Lake, crossing over a bridge and onto a pretty hike through pine forests and aspen groves. A couple of switchbacks past an old log cabin has you gain elevation alongside an impressive waterfall.
A short side trail spurs off from the main trail to a waterfall overlook point (worth the view)! Continuing on to Lost Lake, you will descend down into a small valley crossing over a bridge to the base of a second smaller waterfall. From this point, the trail climbs the other side of the valley all the way up to Lost Lake. From the lake, you will enjoy views of Mt. Neva and Mt. Jasper off in the distance.
Return the way you came.
Insider Hints
Snowshoes can be rented in the Town of Nederland at Happy Trails Café or Wild Bear Ecology Center.
Visit the Town of Nederland!
- Where to Eat: Crosscut Pizzeria & Taphouse
- Coffee Shop: Happy Trails Cafe
- Gear & Supplies: Mountain Man Outdoor Store
- Groceries: Mountain People’s Co-op or B&F Mountain Market
- Drinks: Very Nice Brewing Company
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Hikeordie 5 years ago
A great snowshoe trail
Sammy L. 5 years ago
Cute trail with nice waterfalls!
will-perry 5 years ago
Glad I found the Lost Lake! This hike offers a lot of amazing views!
jennyspencer 5 years ago
The views are amazing, the park rangers were nice and polite and there are plenty of restrooms to use.
onoyuki 5 years ago
Easy and short but amazing! I would love to take my family here someday.
Eugene L 5 years ago
Amazing views for the valley! Be sure not to miss this hike.