Forest Lakes Trail
From the East Portal Trailhead, follow the South Boulder Creek Trail around the north side of the train tunnel. The trail soon enters James Peak Wilderness Area. It is 1.2 miles on the South Boulder Creek Trail to the signed Forest Lakes Trail junction. Turn right as indicated. The Forest Lakes Trail cuts across the front of a steep ridge on an old road for a half-mile until it intersects Arapaho Creek. It follows the creek for about another mile before it turns away from the creek to the northeast following a gentle grade to the lower of the two lakes. The trail leads around the lower lake and continues west to the upper Forest Lake, finally connecting to the Moffat Road another quarter-mile past upper Forest Lake.
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Trail Type
General Information
Elevation: 10,650 feet and 10,800 at Forest Lakes
To view a trail map click here.
Motorized equipment and mechanized transportation are prohibited.
Pets must be on a hand-held leash at all times.
Campfires are prohibited year round.
Campsites must be at least 100 feet away from water and trail.
Group size is limited to 12 (people and livestock combined).
Processed weed-free feed is required for stock.
Getting There
Trailhead/Starting Points
East Portal Trailhead
Parking
A large parking area is available at the East Portal Trailhead.
Directions
From Nederland, travel south for 4.5 miles on Colorado Highway 119 to Rollinsville. Turn west onto the gravel Gilpin County Road 16 and continue eight miles to the Moffat Tunnel.
