Near Boulder Lake Out-and-Back
Fossil Ridge Trail to Boulder Lake.
Near Boulder Lake Out-and-Back
The best campsite at Boulder Lake.
Near Boulder Lake Out-and-Back
Great view looking northwest from the trail.
Near Boulder Lake Out-and-Back
Boulder Lake
Near Boulder Lake Out-and-Back
Pano of Boulder Lake at trail end

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Driving Directions
Classic Hike Route

Boulder Lake Out-and-Back

4.5 (2 Ratings)
A very steep trail to an excellent lake cirque in the Fossil Ridge Wilderness.
6.7
mi
Distance
2,195
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Regional Classic
A must do route for the area handpicked by local experts.
Commonly BackpackedFall ColorsLakeViews

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
6.73mi
Distance
2,195ft
Elevation Gain
2,195ft
Elevation Loss
55%
Max Grade
11,577ft
High Point
10,037ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
Start at the Gold Creek Campground. At about half a mile, turn left for the Fossil Ridge Trail. The incline starts immediately as you hike on a really beautiful trail through the forest. It's a mixed use trail, you may see dirt bikes. At a little over 2 miles in, the steep incline decreases quite a bit to give you some flat ground for a while. Continue through the woods and when you're over 3.5 miles in, you reach the junction for Boulder Lake on your right. Climb for another quarter mile or so, and reach the lake. The lake is so serene and tranquil. When the wind is calm, you can see the surrounding mountains reflected on the water. If you cross the swampy section on the right side of the lake, you can keep hiking around the lake, or if you head up the hill, there's a great viewpoint and awesome campsite. The lake is stocked so you can fish here, enjoy the lake, and camp. When you're all done, head back down the trail the way you came.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Ashley Peterson