Gibson Lake Trailhead

The Gibson Lake Trail (#633) travels in a westerly direction up the Lake Fork drainage. Just below the parking area, you cross the headwaters of the North fork of the South Platte River. The last 1.4 miles drive to the trailhead is very rough and requires high clearance 4WD to access.

General Information

Attractions and considerations: This 2.4 mile hike follows the Lake Fork drainage up to a pretty lake nestled in a high tundra bowl. The well-established trail climbs at a steady, moderately steep grade. Allow about one hour and 20 minutes to reach Gibson Lake. Elevation gain is 1,544 feet. The last ½ miles or so is above treeline. The lake is regarded as a good fishing spot for brook trout. There are virtually no areas along the trail suitable for overnight camping. The lake is situated just eat of and below Whale Peak (elevation 13,078). The trail is for foot and horseback travel only. 

Narrative: The Trail travels in a generally westerly direction up the Lake Fork Drainage. Just below the parking area, you will cross a small stream. From that point until you reach treeline, the stream drainage will be to the left (south) of the trail as you ascend. At about 1 ¾ miles, the trail reaches a fork. Bear left at this trail junction (the right fork is an unmarked trail leading up to the Continental Divide). At about 2 miles, you will be at treeline. Shortly thereafter the trail makes three major stream crossings. After the third crossing, the trail bears southwest through willows and tundra up to the shelf on which Gibson Lake is located. Tundra flowers are in abundance in mid-summer. At the south end of the lake, there is a long, ribbon-like waterfalls draining into Gibson Lake from a small lake above Gibson.

From Bailey, drive west on U.S. Hwy 285 for 14.3 miles. Turn right (north) off Hwy 285 onto Park County Road #60. This road is also designated as Forest Service Road #120, and is commonly called the "Hall Valley Road." Travel on #120 for a total distance of 6.5 miles to the trailhead. The last 1.4 miles above Hall Valley Campground are very rough, and border on being classified as a 4WD road. Allow at least 50 minutes to drive the 6.5 miles on Forest Service Road #120. As you drive the #120 road, you will pass Handcart Campground at mile 4,8 (from U.S. Hwy 285), and Hall Valley Campground at mile 5.1. At mile 5.0, just before Hall Valley Campground, bear left at the fork in the road. There is a small parking area at the trailhead.

There is a small parking area at the trailhead.