Plan with
Confidence
CAMPFIRES ARE NOT ALLOWED. Permits are not required for overnight stays inside the
James Peak Wilderness. However, other wilderness regulations apply.
Path Type
Point to Point
Not to be confused with Crater Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Crater Lakes Trail is in the James Peak Wilderness.
The Crater Lakes Trail turns right (north) off the South Boulder Creek Trail at the junction sign. It climbs for a mile into a wide valley before crossing the narrow spit of land between the two main lakes. To reach the fantastic upper lake, follow the steep fisherman's trail up the headwall and down a talus field to the lakeshore.
In June and early July, this valley can be full of deep snow and the trail may not be visible.
All Clear
Arrived at the parking lot around 8:30, the main lot was completely full but there is overflow parking down the road. There were lots of people on the trail both leaving the parking lot and coming back from overnight backpacking trips. The trial ascends quickly and you gain a lot of elevation in a couple of miles. There was still big patches of snow up around the first 2 lakes. Despite the crowds, it’s a beautiful hike, hard to find alpine lakes accessible within a few miles of the trailhead.
Some Issues
Some Issues
Some Issues
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