Near Geneva Lake
First glimpse of the cliffs on the other side of the creek.
Near Geneva Lake
Geneva Lake as you first arrive
Near Geneva Lake
Crossing the East Fork of Big Goose Creek.
Near Geneva Lake
Looking onto Geneva Lake
Near Geneva Lake
Enjoy the Chihuahua-sized mushrooms

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Geneva Lake

4.8 (4 Ratings)
Follow the East Fork Big Goose Creek to arrive at Geneva Lake.
8.6
mi
Distance
1,059
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingLakeLakefrontRiver/CreekViewsWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
No fires over 9200'. You'll need a good 4x4 or ATV to get to the trailhead.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
8.61mi
Distance
1,059ft
Elevation Gain
1,059ft
Elevation Loss
45%
Max Grade
9,354ft
High Point
8,491ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
From the parking lot, take the obvious trail to the south. Pass the Rhinehart Lakes Trail to the right and continue on the flat, even trail. Continue through the thick forest until just above the East Fork Big Goose Creek. After a short hike, you arrive at the Solitude Loop Trail #038.Continue straight on the trail to pass the broken skeletons of a defunct mining operation.When the mines peter out, you turn the corner to the left and have the option of taking Duncan Lake Trail that heads uphill to the left.A half mile after the turnoff, you'll arrive at a stream crossing that you can rock hop through or decide to wade.From here, the environment seems to become more alpine with the trees getting a bit smaller, the land getting sparser, and the trail becoming a bit rockier with short sections on steep incline. In the right season, huge mushrooms pop up along the trail. When you arrive at the marshy tip of Geneva Lake, turn right and head along the edge of the lake. You'll be pinned closely to the lake as steep terrain becomes bald, rocky cliffs, but it's all manageable. When you arrive at the far end, enjoy the views before cutting left to the other side of the lake to reunite with the Solitude Loop Trail #038.
History & Background
An old mining operation along the trail features derelict mines and log cabins.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
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Contributors
Russell Hobart