Aker Lake Trail - # 17

**NOTICE**

The area where this trail is located has been severely affected by the Wallow Fire of June 2011. The area is currently open to public use and entry - HOWEVER trails may not have been recently assessed or maintained for hazards associated with the fire, so plan your trip accordingly.

Please keep in mind that any area affected by the wildfire can be prone to hazards such as falling trees, flooding and burned out stump holes. The environment you are entering is highly susceptible to rainstorms and wind events. Any time you enter the forest, you should be aware of your environment and changing weather conditions. You are responsible for your own safety! Always look up, look down, and look all around.

The Aker Lake Trail drops gradually 400 feet over its 3.5 mile span to Aker Lake. The trail passes through a mixed forest area of aspens and conifers. Click here for printable information and map.

This trail is open to non-motorized uses including mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding.

Songbirds can often be heard when riding quietly and slowly. As you continue your ride, you'll come to a meadow called Butterfly Cienega and once you ride along the meadow, you will reenter the forest. This may also allow a rider to catch a glimpse of the area's wildlife including elk, mule deer, or even black bears. From the forest, you'll renter the valley and follow the trails as it brings you to Aker Lake where you will cross a log bridge across the dam. You can loop this trail by following Aker Lake Road (FR 8312) back to Butterfly Cienega and retracing your route from the meadow.

This trail is here for your enjoyment due in large part to volunteer Don Yates. Yates worked as a campground host at the nearby campground and planned and constructed this trail over a three year period.quietly and slowly. As you continue your ride, you'll come to a meadow called Butterfly Cienega and once you ride along the meadow, you will reenter the forest. This may also allow a rider to catch a glimpse of the area's wildlife including elk, mule deer, or even black bears. From the forest, you'll renter the valley and follow the trails as it brings you to Aker Lake where you will cross a log bridge across the dam. You can loop this trail by following Aker Lake Road (FR 8312) back to Butterfly Cienega and retracing your route from the meadow.

This trail is here for your enjoyment due inlarge part to volunteer Don Yates. Yates worked as a campground host at the nearby campground and planned and constructed this trail over a three year period.

At a Glance