Lion Lake Trail

First, follow the Thunder Lake Trail 3.3 miles to the Lion Lake turnoff. Turning right, the trail switchbacks into rocky outcrops below North Ridge. Where the trail stumbles out into a clearing, the view overlooks the North Saint Vrain Valley, as well as the high summits on the surrounding basins. This first real push levels after .8 miles, above the outcrops, and across the next .4 miles, the trail only gains about 50 feet. At the onset of another rugged stretch, switchbacks draw you deeper into the basin. Scattered meadows sometimes stretch between the rocks, offering glimpses at the coming terrain. After 1.75 miles, the trail begins to plateau. The trail marches on through a patchwork of elongated meadows that reach to the shoreline of the first lake. A couple of campsites ring the shoreline, and smaller lily ponds tucked into the meadows attract deer, elk, and moose. From this lower lake, the trail all but disappears, but you can continue higher towards two other lakes.