Kite Lake

Kite Lake is an amazing alpine lake that makes for a great hiking destination in summer when wildfowers appear in the high mountain meadows. From the town of Alma you will want to look for the street sign that says Kite Lake (Buckskin Road). This will be in the middle of town on the west side. You will continue for 5.5 miles on rough gravel road; this is passable in two-wheel drive, but the top of the road becomes more rough. The Paris Mill will be on your right hand side, and it has some fantastic information about the mill. There is a pay staion at the trailhead, and you can pay for day use and overnight camping here. You can also park here if you would rather walk the road to the lake. You will be welcomed with beautiful views of the mountians as you head up the road, and soon you will reach another small parking area. This is where the road gets a litte more rocky and rough. Here you'll find vault bathrooms, tent camping at the lake, and a day use area with picnic tables. This is a perfect spot to rest and enjoy a picnic before heading back. You do not need to hike up the trail because the lake is right near the parking area; however, to the see the kite shape of the lake you will need to get a view from above. The trail is 1.7 miles with 700 feet elevation gain. It is flat in the beginning, and it then gets steep with some pretty big rocks that may be slippery in some areas. There is an abundance of wildflowers along the way, and there are some old mining artifacts as well. Once you reach the top you will see Kite Lake. There are also three different 14er's that surround Kite Lake: Mount Democrat, Mount Cameron and Mount Lincoln are all nearby, which is why this area tends to get so busy. Enjoy this short and sweet adventure.