Near Lake of the Clouds Trail
Lake of the clouds
Near Lake of the Clouds Trail
Lake of the Clouds on 07/15/2017 looking almost straight south from the point where the trail meets the shore line.
Near Lake of the Clouds Trail
Lake of the Clouds on 07/15/2017 looking almost straight south from the rock ledge just above the lake.

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Hike Trail

Lake of the Clouds Trail

4.4 (5 Ratings)
Lake of the Clouds is the largest lake west of the Continental Divide in the Never Summer Mountains.
1.3
mi
Distance
851
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Commonly BackpackedLakeRiver/CreekSwimmingViewsWaterfallWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
* Dogs and other pets are not allowed on the trails or in the backcountry of Rocky Mountain National Park. * All overnight stays in Rocky Mountain National Park require a permit, but no permit is needed for day tripping or climbing. * Bear canisters are required for any overnight trip in the park.

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Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
1.28mi
Distance
851ft
Elevation Gain
0ft
Elevation Loss
25%
Max Grade
11,079ft
High Point
10,228ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
This trail starts on the Grand Ditch Trail and travels a mile west into Hitchens Gulch. The trail then dissipates in Upper Hitchens Gulch, and a rough path leads west another 0.3 miles to the lake. Once above treeline, which is about 10,840 ft on this trail, the trail breaks down and you cross a large boulder field for a few hundred feet. The final push may require some hand-over-feet scrambling.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Rick Acheson