Near Boulder Lake Trail
Lower Boulder Lake.
Near Boulder Lake Trail
Lower Boulder Lake
Near Boulder Lake Trail
View of Boulder Lake, take time to enjoy the scenery before turning around on this out-and-back.
Near Boulder Lake Trail
Boulder Lake near the outlet.
Near Boulder Lake Trail
View from the south shore of Lower Boulder Lake.

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Boulder Lake Trail

3.7 (9 Ratings)
A beautiful forested trail to a high alpine lake.
5.5
mi
Distance
1,657
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Fall ColorsLakeRiver/CreekViewsWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
The trailhead has been moved from Boulder Creek Rd or the Boulder Creek Trail to Rock Creek Rd and Gore Range trailhead as of summer 2019. I received a warning ticket by Summit County Sheriff for parking at the old Boulder Creek Trailhead off Hwy 9. Plus it is a long, exhausting 3.5-mile rxh up the gravel road from Hwy 9 and another seven miles from the green gate to Boulder Lake. I would recommend this only as a day rxh in the fall as Boulder Creek Trail goes through the aspens.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
5.46mi
Distance
1,657ft
Elevation Gain
101ft
Elevation Loss
25%
Max Grade
10,036ft
High Point
8,479ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
The trail winds through the forest until a junction with Gore Range Trail. Continue straight past the junction and continuing climbing until you reach lower boulder lake. You can continue on past lower boulder lake, but the trail is not as well defined.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Rock Creek Loop

Hike Route

Rock Creek Loop

River/Creek
strenuous
11.61 mi
+3,465 ft
Rock Creek to Lower Boulder Lake

Hike Route

Rock Creek to Lower Boulder Lake

Fall Colors
moderate
6.21 mi
+1,367 ft
Upper Slate Lake

Hike Route

Upper Slate Lake

Birding
strenuous
22.28 mi
+4,730 ft
Lower Boulder Lake

Hike Route

Lower Boulder Lake

Lake
easy
2.73 mi
+837 ft
South Willowbrook Loop

Hike Route

South Willowbrook Loop

Birding
moderate
4.66 mi
+795 ft
Salmon Lake

Hike Route

Salmon Lake

Lake
moderate
9.83 mi
+2,452 ft
Contributors
Chelsea Gribbin