Near Mountain Lion Trail
A brief downhill section heading north just before more switchbacks!
Near Mountain Lion Trail
Mountain Lake along side Mountain Lion Trail.
Near Mountain Lion Trail
Conquering Mountain Lion Trail
Near Mountain Lion Trail
Early March before the rain has brought out the flowers.
Near Mountain Lion Trail
Beautiful rock formations near Deer Creek

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Mountain Lion Trail

4.5 (77 Ratings)
Colorado wrapped into one trail offering elevation, lakes, creeks, and mountain views.
6.7
mi
Distance
1,613
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsLakeRiver/CreekViewsWildflowers
Access Issues
Park Hours 5 AM - 10 PM and $9 park fee to be paid at visitor center.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
6.69mi
Distance
1,613ft
Elevation Gain
1,614ft
Elevation Loss
30%
Max Grade
8,884ft
High Point
7,593ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
Start ascending singletrack to the west. After a mile or so, your route will turn into dirt road heading northwest. After another half-mile, you'll reach a lake that offers spectacular views back to the south; it's worth a stop. From this point, you'll follow a dirt road north for a bit, leading into a steep ascent and a few switchbacks toward Windy Peak. Before reaching the peak, you hit a junction and bear left (staying on Mountain Lion) and head back down another set of steep switchbacks toward Deer Creek. You'll continue to drop elevation as you follow along the creek; this section is quite fast, with roots, rocks, and several creek crossings. The dirt path turns back south, then southwest as you exit the forested area. From here, the elevation profile is mostly flat, trail wide, and the footing very good. You'll have a brief descent again heading south directly back to notch creek where you started.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
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Contributors
Taylor Simmons