Near Upper Cataract Lake Trail #63
Final descent to Upper Cataract Lake with Eagles Nest looming in the distance.
Near Upper Cataract Lake Trail #63
Very north end of Mirror Lake looking South
Near Upper Cataract Lake Trail #63
Upper Cataract Lake looking south.
Near Upper Cataract Lake Trail #63
Upper Cataract Lake in November
Near Upper Cataract Lake Trail #63
Upper Cataract Lake

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Hike Trail

Upper Cataract Lake Trail #63

4.0 (3 Ratings)
A beautiful trail leading past pristine mountain lakes.
7.6
mi
Distance
2,207
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsLakeRiver/CreekViewsWaterfallWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
7.63mi
Distance
2,207ft
Elevation Gain
672ft
Elevation Loss
50%
Max Grade
11,940ft
High Point
10,406ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Upper Cataract Lake is in the Eagles Nest Wilderness area in the Gore Range mountains. It is a beautiful lake that sits on the edge of tree line and has dramatic views of Eagles Nest Peak. The climb from the trailhead is steady and steep at times as it climbs through lodgepole pines, aspen groves and spruce/fir forests. Past the lake, this trail continues to another beautiful lake, Mirror Lake, before ascending along the northern flanks of Eagles Nest to a terminating junction on Elliot Ridge.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Upper Cataract Lake Out and Back

Classic Hike Route

Upper Cataract Lake Out and Back

Birding
moderate
10.86 mi
+2,568 ft
Long Eaglesmere - Upper Cateract - Surprise Lake Loop

Hike Route

Long Eaglesmere - Upper Cateract - Surprise Lake Loop

Birding
strenuous
25.65 mi
+4,978 ft
Eaglesmere-Surprise Lake Loop

Hike Route

Eaglesmere-Surprise Lake Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
10.9 mi
+2,533 ft
Upper Piney River Trail

Hike Route

Upper Piney River Trail

Fall Colors
moderate
5.89 mi
+794 ft
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
Contributors
Brian Smith