Zimmerman Lake Trail (#977)

Bark beetle trees, mixed with pine trees and ground covers, are on the sides of the trail.

Access this trail in both summer and winter. This trail follows an old logging road to Zimmerman Lake, which sits just outside the boundary of the Neota Wilderness. A primitive trail circles the lake, but there are no constructed trails into the Neota Wilderness. Special fishing restrictions apply at Zimmerman Lake, please contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife for more information. Zimmerman Lake trailhead accommodates approximately 55 vehicles.

You can find more information at Poudre Wilderness Volunteers. Download trail summary here.

At a Glance

Usage:	Light
Restrictions:	Trail Regulations: No motorized equipment. Wilderness regulations apply in the nearby Neota Wilderness. Certified weed-free hay is required for stock.
Closest Towns:	Rustic, Walden, Fort Collins
Water:	Water can be filtered and treated from nearby water sources.
Restroom:	Practice Leave No Trace principles.

General Information

Directions: Travel 11 miles northwest of Fort Collins on U.S. Highway 287 to Colorado Highway 14. Turn left on CO 14 and travel 58 miles west to the Zimmerman Lake trailhead parking lot on the left, which is shared with visitors to the Montgomery Pass trail (#986) beginning across the road to the north.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Day Hiking

Zimmerman Lake trailhead accommodates approximately 55 vehicles.

Fire Information	Check for any seasonal fire restrictions before your hike. Campfires must be at least 100 feet from water and trails. You may collect dead and down wood; do not break branches from standing trees for firewood. Please attend to campfires at all times. Touch any remaining coals with the bare hand to insure campfire is cold and dead out. Remember, if it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave!
Difficulty Level:	Moderate

Backpacking

Zimmerman Lake trailhead accommodates approximately 55 vehicles.

Fire Information	Check for any seasonal fire restrictions before your hike. Campfires must be at least 100 feet from water and trails. You may collect dead and down wood; do not break branches from standing trees for firewood. Please attend to campfires at all times. Touch any remaining coals with the bare hand to insure campfire is cold and dead out. Remember, if it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave!
Difficulty Level:	Moderate

Horse Riding

Zimmerman Lake trailhead accommodates approximately 55 vehicles.

Size Restrictions	no
Corrals	no
Loading Ramp	no
Hitching Rails	no
Difficulty Level:	Moderate

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

Park at the Zimmerman Lake Trailhead on Colorado Highway 14, about 2 miles before the summit of Cameron Pass. The trail starts on the south side of the parking lot, to the right of the restrooms. Follow a wide, but occasionally steep, road 1 mile to Zimmerman Lake itself. From here the views of the Montgomery Pass area are excellent. A nice 1.5 mile loop trail winds around the lake and is well marked, however do not confuse the loop trail with the Meadows Trail or you will be skiing or snowshoeing a long way back to your car.