Lake Fork Trail
Lake Fork Trail #528 is a very popular trail to Emerald and Moon Lakes within the Weminuche Wilderness. The trail branches off from Pine River Trail #523 (about 6 miles from Pine River Trailhead) and ends at Moon Lake at 11,600 feet. Within ¼ mile south of the Emerald lakes to ½ mile north of the lakes, camping, campfires, and grazing or tethering stock are not allowed.
The alpine meadows are full of blooming wildflowers in late July and in August. There are excellent views and photographic possibilities. Water can be found off the trail in most of the tributaries. As with all high-altitude areas, storms can move in rapidly, bringing severe wind, lightning, rain, snow, or hail—at any time of year. Plan accordingly.
Fishing: Fishing for trout above the Wilderness boundary is excellent. Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc.
- Distance (one-way): 9.5 miles to Moon Lake; ~4 miles to Emerald Lake
- Minimum elevation: 8,200 feet at junction with Pine River Trail
- Maximum elevation: 11,600 feet at Moon Lake
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
General Information
Available within Lake Fork Creek and Emerald Lake; purification recommended.
This trail is located in the Weminuche Wilderness. Please review the Weminuche Wilderness Regulations for full list of regulations and restrictions. Regulations include:
- No camping or campfires within 1/4 mile of Emerald and Little Emerald Lakes. No camping within 1/2 mile north of Emerald Lake.
- Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted.
- Mechanized means of transport are not permitted (mountain bikes).
- Flying drones is not permitted over congressionally designated wilderness areas or primitive areas as many people seek these places for the opportunities for solitude and quiet that they provide.
- Group size is limited to 15 people.
- Combination of people and stock = 25.
- Dogs under control.
- No unattended campfires.
- Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source.
- Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land.
- Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping,
Address: 367 Pearl Street Bayfield, CO 81122
Phone: (970) 884-2512
Hours: Friday only, 10:00am-4:30pm (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Directions
From Bayfield, CO: Head north on County Road (CR) #501, also called Vallecito Road. Take CR501 road 22 miles north around Vallecito Reservoir. Turn left on the Pine River turnoff – FS #602. Take the road 3.8 miles to the Pine River Campground. Hike about 6 miles on Pine River Trail to junction with Lake Fork Trail.
From Durango, CO: Head north on Florida Road (CR #240) for 14 miles. Continue on CR #240 for 2 miles past the turnoff for Lemon Reservoir. Turn N. onto CR #501. Take that road 12 miles north around Vallecito Reservoir . Turn left on the Pine River turnoff – FS #602. Take the road 3.8 miles to the Pine River Campground. Hike about 6 miles on Pine River Trail to junction with Lake Fork Trail.
