Trail Overview
This out-and-back route is somewhat less maintained than many of the other roads in the region, which appear to receive regular grading and gravel maintenance even well beyond the main routes. The road begins relatively smooth, with a few mud holes and shallow ruts along the way, before passing several shelf-like sections that open up to impressive distant mountain views. Much of the route winds through tall pine and aspen forests, with occasional areas affected by previous burns adding variety to the landscape. Eventually, the road makes a sharp 90-degree turn to the left and descends toward the lake on a noticeably less-maintained section. From there, expect tighter turns, steeper climbs and descents, loose sections, and numerous mud holes. The rougher section is relatively short, however, and the reward at the end is a beautiful, seemingly full mountain lake with a scenic camping area nearby, making the extra effort well worthwhile.
Difficulty
Although it is less maintained than many of the nearby routes, this is still a fairly easy trail. In dry conditions, you will likely not need to engage 4WD, and any vehicle with moderate ground clearance should have no trouble navigating the route. The mud holes are generally manageable as long as conditions remain dry, making this a straightforward and enjoyable route for most vehicles.
History
North Park is a high, isolated mountain basin surrounded by the Park Range, Never Summer Mountains, and Medicine Bow Mountains, with landmarks such as Red Hill Mountain and Little Haystack Mountain rising above the surrounding country. For generations, Indigenous peoples used North Park as a seasonal hunting ground, followed by trappers, prospectors, and ranchers who began settling the area in the 1870s. Ranching and hay production became the foundation of the local economy, while mining, logging, and transportation later shaped the region. Walden was established as the area’s central community in the late 1800s, and the remote landscape has retained much of its historic character.
