Gibson Lake Trail No. 633

The trail travels in a westerly direction up the Lake Fork drainage. Just below the parking area you cross the headwaters of the North fork of the South Platte River. From that point until you reach tree line the Lake Fork drainage will be to the left (south) of the trail as you ascend. At about 1 3/4 miles the trail reaches a fork. Bear left at this trail junction (the right fork is an unmarked trail leading up to the Continental Divide). At about 2.0 miles you will be at tree line. Shortly after reaching tree line the trail makes 3 major stream crossings. After the third crossing, the trail bears southwest through willows and tundra up to the shelf on which Gibson Lake is located. At the south end of the lake there is a long, ribbon-like waterfall draining into Gibson Lake from a smaller lake above it. Allow about an hour and a half to reach Gibson Lake.

The Gibson Lake Trail follows the Lake Fork drainage to a pretty lake nestled in a high tundra bowl. Tundra wildflowers are abundant in midsummer. The well-established trail climbs at a steady, moderately steep grade. The Gibson Lake is situated east of and below Whale Peak (elevation 13,078'). Above timberline in the basin, tailing piles give evidence of the area's mining past.

From Bailey, drive west on Highway 285 for 14.3 miles. Turn right (north) on to Park County Road 60. This road is also designated as Forest Service Road 120, and commonly called the Hall Valley Road. Travel on 120 6.5 miles to the trailhead. At mile 5, just beyond the Handcart Campground, bear left at the fork in the road. The last 1.4 miles above Hall Valley Campground are very rough, and may be classified a four-wheel drive road.