Timberline Lake

The Timberline lake trail starts with the Colorado Trail. After the initial short section with the Colorado Trail, the Timberline Lake Trail will head up along Lake Fork Creek at a well-marked intersection. The trail essentially follows the creek the entire way up to Timberline Lake. There are a few creek crossings, none of which have bridges so it can involve getting your feet wet in early season. The first 1.5 miles of trail climb steadily at a gentle grade, with the way steepening considerably afterward. A marshy section and the widest creek crossing occur at about 1.3 miles in. Short spur trails along the creek lead to some easier crossing points if you look for them. After about 2.5 miles the main trail ends at the southeast end of the lake, but there is a faint trail along the west shore up to the meadows at the upper end of the lake. This additional half mile is worth it for the bonus views and greater solitude available there.