WOW!!! I’m so happy my friend recommended this hike. Came here on a week day during the summer around 9AM. There was plenty of parking and BATHROOMS! The initial incline is steep and not easy but once you’re past it, the meadows are absolutely beautiful and a lot easier to get up. The next incline is pretty steep as well but once you think you’re at the lake, think again. Another 10 mins or so you will be there and it is worth it! Enjoy, take pictures, have a bite to eat and catch you breathe.
Brenda L.
Place rating: 4 Denver, CO
This trail right off the highway and is more intended for cross country skiers or snowshoers(if you’re going in the snow months). I came today with just hiking boots and sank into the snow pretty deep as the trails are heavy with fluffy snow and was less trodden. There is a lake @ some point past marker 98 but we weren’t able to make it. We hiked about an hour and a half in and probably got close to the lake but had to turn around because we were often knee deep in snow. The beginning of the trail starts with a good incline but mellows out for the majority of the latter parts of the trail. There are chipmunks and birds and supposedly lynx and other wildlife(we saw the first two). There is a small peep of a creek viewable at this time of the year. I imagine that it’s much more beautiful as the snow melts and the creek becomes more visible. A fellow hiker told us that there are pretty flowers there come warmer seasons. I anticipate on returning during a time when I either have snowshoes or when the snow is less fluffy.
Nicole W.
Place rating: 5 Denver, CO
I love nature, and i certainly love nature that is right off the highway! This trail head brings you to a multitude of wilderness, there is a pit toilet(not amazing, but at least you get to pee in private) and there is a good amount of parking. It was filled up by the time we left at 1pm. As far as the trails — amazingly beautiful! There was still snow and Herman Lake was still partially iced over in june!
