Carhart Trail

From the parking area at The Outlet trailhead, this easy family-friendly trail circles Trappers Lake and is popular for fishing, camping, running, and hiking. Backpackers often use this as a starting off point for farther flung adventures. You can hike this in either direction, with beautiful views of the Flat Tops the entire way. Fields of wildflowers abound, but there is no shade, so be sure to bring a hat, bug repellent, and sunscreen. You'll see thousands of downed trees due to momentous fires in 2002, but the upside is that there are no obstructions to the views. If you get hot, the lake offers cool wading and swimming options for most of the way. There are some stream crossings, too, which can be hectic early in the summer during runoff.The lake, which sits at 9,600 feet and is known as "The Cradle of Wilderness," is one of the state's top breeding grounds for native Colorado River cutthroat trout, which makes it an angler's paradise. Only artificial flies and lures are allowed, and all natives over 11 inches are mandated to be released. If you're backpacking or up for a longer hike, you can access Little Trappers Trail, Trappers Lake Trail, and Wall Lake Trail. There are five Forest Service campgrounds nearby, and dispersed camping is allowed but prohibited within 1.4 mile of Trappers Lake and the campgrounds. Trappers Lake Lodge rents boats and cabins, too.

The trail is named for Arthur Carhart, who first surveyed Trappers Lake in 1919. He helped set the stage for the Wilderness Act of 1964 and the National Wilderness Preservation System, which includes Trappers Lake and the entire Flat Tops Wilderness.