Crater Lakes Trail

The Crater Lakes Trail turns right (north) off the South Boulder Creek Trail #900, about 3/4 mile beyond the meadow at the Forest Lakes Trail #809 junction. There is often a cairn marking the junction. The trail climbs steeply about a mile to the two main Crater Lakes. It crosses the narrow spit of land between them, and continues another half mile to the highest lake. Although these lakes are quite popular, the trail is difficult to follow. The result is a network of braiding paths that go in many directions. On the way down, try to avoid ending up on one that passes the lowest lake and follows the outlet stream, as it is extremely steep.

Length: East Portal Trailhead (TH) to: Forest Lakes Trail - 1.2; Heart Lake - 4.2 miles; Rogers Pass - 4.6 miles; Crater Lake - 3 miles; Arapaho Lakes - 3 ½ miles; Forest Lakes - 4 miles. Forest Lakes TH to: Forest Lakes - 1/4 mile; Arapaho Lakes - 2 miles. DISTANCES ARE ONE-WAY.

Travelling south from Nederland, west of Boulder, on CO 119, go west out of Rollinsville on gravel County Road 16 (a.k.a. Moffat Road or Rollins Pass Road).

Drive 7 miles to the end of County Road 16 (Road 16 ends at a T-junction).

Go left 1 mile to park at the East Portal TH or, if you have a high-clearance vehicle, go right and drive an additional 11 miles on a native surface road, to park at the Forest Lakes TH.