Lost Lake Trail #813

Description:

• This trail is located west of Nederland and Eldora, in the Middle Boulder Creek Trail System. It accesses Lost Lake. Other linking trails include King Lake, Woodland Lake, and Devil's Thumb/Jasper Lakes. This area offers relatively flat skiing terrain, with steeper pitches as you near the lakes.

  This trailhead accesses the southern most drainage of the Indian Peaks Wilderness, approximately 1.6 miles west of the Hessie Townsite. The trail from Hessie to Lost Lake climbs rather sharply up the old wagon road, then opens into a broad, scenic valley.

  Start west on the unplowed road leading out of the parking area. At .8 mile, take the left fork and travel through the old Hessie townsite. Continue west for 1.5 miles to reach the Lost Lake Cutoff. At the cutoff, turn south on the Lost Lake Trail and travel .7 mile to Lost Lake. The return trip from Lost Lake to the parking area is 3 miles. Return the same way.

  Snow conditions in the open areas may vary from hard pack to powder to wind slab. The descent from the Lost Lake cutoff to Hessie is quite steep and involves a rather sharp 90 degree left-hand turn to cross the bridge over Middle Boulder Creek--Ski within your abilities.