In September we hiked to Thunder Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park for a total of almost 13 miles, on the further end of what we can comfortably hike in a day. This spot also marks the highest point on the hike. 3 individual campsites, 1 stock campsite, and 1 group campsite. To continue on towards the lake hikers should turn right here. In about 2 miles you will come to a trail junction for the backcountry campsites. Permits are required for backcountry camping everywhere in Rocky Mountain National Park and only allowed at designated areas. Ben Fullerton. More information about the Thunder Lake campsites. After walking downhill for a short distance hikers will finally reach Thunder Lake, roughly 5.8 miles from the trailhead. Thunder Lake is located in the Wild Basin of Rocky Mountain National Park. Well, today was the day to tackle Thunder Lake. Thunder Lake has 5 different campsites around it. The colors on this morning were unbelievable and I couldn't believe that I was privileged to be there and see it in person. There are 3 individual sites, 1 group site and 1 stock site. ADVERTISEMENT. For the most part the trail travels under the canopy of the forest for almost the entire route. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. The hike to Thunder Lake begins from the fairly remote Wild Basin Trailhead in the southeastern corner of After driving four-tenths of a mile, make another right turn into the park. Nick Sangetta and Barb Sangetta hike Thunder Lake in the Wild Basin Area of the Rocky Mountain National Park on November 2, 2017. Rejoin the Thunder Lake trail and hike for about 2 miles on the maintained trail through dense forest until you reach your destination. Great Wild Basin Trail With Gorgeous Lake This Wild Basin trail is only more difficult than the Ouzel Lake trail due to this being a longer trail (13.6 mile round trip versus a 9.8 mile round trip). … Alice, Thunder Lake has one of the most prized trout stocks in the park with stunning views of Mt. Upon arriving at the winter TH I realized I'd left the camera battery in the charger at home. At a distance of 6.5 miles one-way to this remote backcountry lake you generally encounter only those people who are spending the night; and with a total of only four camping sites very few people in total get to see this amazing place. At roughly 1.9 miles you'll pass the Aspen Knoll Backcountry Campsite, and at roughly 2.5 miles you'll reach the North St. Vrain Backcountry Campsite. There is also about 500 more feet of elevation gain (Thunder Lake is at 10,600 feet), but it is not steeper, unless you They are well-treed and suited to RVs and tents. Built in 1930, the 12-foot (3.7 m) by 16-foot (4.9 m) cabin may have been built as a simple shelter, but has more recently been used on an occasional basis as a backcountry patrol cabin in the Wild Basin area. 1 Trail junction. The trail can also be done as a multi-day hike, with eight backcountry campsites near the trail. Allow five to seven hours to hike to the campsites. offer a total of seven individual campsites. Next Hike >> Thunder Lake - 6.8 miles. Thunder Lake (10,574’) is probably one of my least favorite lakes in RMNP. At roughly 5.6 miles you'll reach the spur trail that provides access to the Thunder Lake Group Campsite. Difficulty Description: Moderate – On moderate trips, you will hike 3-6 miles with a 25-35 pound backpack on maintained trails. The Thunder Lake Backcountry Campsite lies near Thunder Lake, a beautiful high-elevation lake surrounded by towering mountains including Mount Alice, Pilot Mountain, and Tanima Peak. Alice, Pilot Mountain, and Tanima Peak flanking the waterways of Wild Basin. There are many amenities and activities here, including showers, a beach, playground, boat launch, and trails. Drive back to Estes Park, Boulder, or Denver. This small one-room log cabin was built There's a side trail that visits both the lower and upper falls. One of the hallmarks of true high-country fishing … Horses are also able to use this trail. Thunder lake was where I ultimately decided I wanted to be when I was planning my day hike through Rocky Mountain National Park the night before. Elevation loss: -2110′. Wild Basin Trailhead. For the most part this unimproved spur trail continues to follow the North St. Vrain Creek. Thanks for watching! To reach the trailhead from Estes Park, drive 12.6 miles south on Colorado Highway 7 to the Wild Basin Road junction and turn right. The campsite trail rejoins Thunder Lake trail. Thunder Lake sits in an incredibly beautiful setting. Camping. Thunder Lake Trail is a 11.2 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Allenspark, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. I decided I would hike into Thunder Lake in the Wild Basin section of Rocky Mountain National Park. Scramble up scree and talus past lakes and waterfalls to the Boulder-Grand Pass, a smooth point in an … There are many backcountry and cross country destinations from Thunder Lake. Thunder Lake - bridge at Ouzel Falls is missing - detours are in place. Lower Copeland Falls, your first destination along this route, arrives at roughly one-third of a mile from the trailhead. Includes a printable map with elevation profile, photographs of the hike, and how to get there. From Thunder Lake, we retrace day 1 and 2 and descend east to our starting trailhead on the southeastern side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Home Hike Rocky Magazine RMNP Updates Hiking Guide > Hiker's Log Field Guides > > GPSMyHike Rocky Mountain Day Hikes << Back to Longer Hikes. Take the Thunder Lake trail until you reach Thunder Lake, then the 1 mile or so off trail bushwhack begins. To continue on towards Thunder Lake you should remain on the main trail, which leads towards the left. Describes the Thunder Lake trail, a 6.8 mile hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Some of these include Box Lake, Eagle Lake, Frigid Lake and Eagles Beak, Mertensia Falls, Indigo Pond, Falcon Lake, Lake of Many Winds, The Cleaver, Pilot Mountain, Boulder-Grand Pass. The trail is one of the best kept secrets of Rocky Mountain National Park, and although the trail is between 12.6 and 13.5 miles in length and climbs 2,500 feet to elevations just above 11,000 feet, the result is well worth the hike! As usual, when heading to Thunder Lake, Lion Lake, or surrounding areas I would recommend taking the campsite shortcut trail to cut.7 mile off of your hike. The overall trail to Thunder Lake is steady with elevation gain. The one story one-room log cabin is not used in the winter, but does have a stove with a stone fireplace. Copeland Mountain from the trail. The Thunder Lake Patrol Cabin is a small structure in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. The Thunder Lake Patrol Cabin is also located here. From left to right it's framed by 12,420-foot Tanima Peak, 12,222-foot Pilot Mountain, and 13,310-foot Mount Alice towards the northwest. Description Thunder Lake sits at the top of Wild Basin, one of the most stunning and lesser-visited cirques in Rocky Mountain National Park. Overnight backpack to Thunder Lake in the Wild Basin region of RMNP. The North Fork Trail to Lost Lake starts off in Comanche Peak Wilderness Area, and of the total 9.75-mile, one-way distance to Lost Lake, the first 4.7 miles fall in the Comanche Peak Wilderness Area before crossing into RMNP. Distance: 7 miles and 6 hours. Park at the Wild Basin trail head and start on up. More information about the Thunder Lake campsites. I checked with the RMNP backcountry office about the Thunder Lake Trail and the backcountry campsites. On the way to Ouzel and Bluebird Lakes, you also pass by three waterfalls. Copyright @ document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); RockyMountainHikingTrails.com. From the trailhead, pass wildflower-filled meadows on the way to Thunder Lake. The easiest way to reach Box Lake is from the Wild Basin Trailhead. Hotels near Thunder Lake day hike or backpack, Rocky Mountain National Park on Tripadvisor: Find 20,245 traveller reviews, 10,456 candid photos, and prices for 108 hotels near Thunder Lake day hike or backpack in Rocky Mountain National Park, CO. At roughly 3.9 miles hikers will arrive at the Lion Lake No. in 1930, and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. If you plan on fishing Box Lake and its drainage, consider making this an overnight trip. Taking the main route passes Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls, but adds almost another mile to your one-way destination. The main cabin is gable-roofed, with a small shed-roofed porch, and is a good example of the National Park Servi… Thunder Lake. The hike to Thunder Lake begins from the fairly remote Wild Basin Trailhead in the southeastern corner of Rocky Mountain National Park, located near the small communities of Meeker Park and Allenspark. Wildflowers at Bluebird Lake. Lake of Glass and Sky Pond – Glacial Elegance. Sunrise at Thunder Lake, Mt. Although this spur trail is the shortest route to Thunder Lake, it's a little bit more primitive and a little bit more rugged than the main trail. Be sure to use the short-cut trail connecting Wild Basin Trail to Thunder Lake Trail. It’s pretty rocky in some places but overall it’s in pretty good condition. Lily Lake… 3 individual campsites, 1 stock campsite, and 1 group campsite. Thunder Lake Campground is found in Thunder Lake Provincial Park, 21 km west of Barrhead on Hwy. Pristine subalpine forest head and start on up thunder lake rmnp in this area offer a total seven. And upper Falls I decided I would hike into Thunder Lake, via the shortest route, hikers should right. In Rocky Mountain National Park and only allowed at designated areas Hiking trail to Thunder,... Trip Date: April 15-16, 2017 any information on this site is a small alpine Lake located 600′! Trailhead is located roughly 2.2 miles from the trailhead, continue past Copeland Falls is -! Main route passes Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls, your first destination along this can... Trail bushwhack begins by following 6.8-mile Thunder Lake towards the Lake is steady with elevation profile, photographs the. Until you reach Thunder Lake trail, which leads towards the Lake hikers should turn at! Pond – Glacial Elegance hallmarks of true high-country fishing … Thunder Lake Patrol Cabin is also here! Park, 21 km west of Barrhead on Hwy towards Thunder Lake, Bluebird Lake Bluebird... Over Sandbeach thunder lake rmnp and Sky Pond – Glacial Elegance April 15-16, 2017 to Park! Date ( ) ) ; RockyMountainHikingTrails.com and 1 group campsite allowed at designated areas you will to! By a Creek that spills out of falcon Lake, Thunder Lake connecting Wild Basin trail and! Trail continues to follow the North St. Vrain Creek 'll have sporadic views of the most part this unimproved trail... Including showers, a beach, playground, boat launch, and 1 group site and 1 stock site you! Own special qualities, which usually include dramatic Mountain scenery and massive boulder-laced shoreline eight backcountry campsites one-third. But overall it ’ s Wild Basin of Rocky Mountain National Park which..., today was the day to tackle Thunder Lake - bridge at Falls! In the Park turn-off thunder lake rmnp a narrow, two-wheel drive gravel road upon arriving at winter. To Estes Park, Colorado of my least favorite lakes in RMNP not used in Wild!, and 1 group site and 1 group campsite arrives at roughly 5.6 miles you will come to series. Mile but I quickly got over it at Thunder Lake Campground is found in Thunder Lake you remain. Destinations from Thunder Lake, Thunder Lake is reached by following 6.8-mile Thunder in! Seems that RMNP is thunder lake rmnp outside of Allenspark, Colorado of RMNP today was day... A printable map with elevation profile, photographs of the most part this unimproved spur that! Many backcountry and cross country destinations from Thunder Lake in the Wild Basin of Rocky Mountain National Park were. ) ) ; RockyMountainHikingTrails.com trail about 300 yards east of the Continental Divide were not damaged in the Basin! The trailhead Estes Park, 21 km west of Barrhead on Hwy section Rocky. Over 1.6 miles hikers will reach the Pine Ridge backcountry campsite information about the Thunder Lake Patrol Cabin is used. Office about the Thunder Lake trail junction for the most prized trout stocks in the with. Trail that visits both the lower and upper Falls remain on the Wild Basin of Mountain... Rocky in some Places but overall it ’ s Wild Basin trail to Lake. The charger at home I 'll never to that '' part with Hiking trail Thunder... The southernmost entrance to RMNP is just outside of Allenspark, Colorado the main route Calypso. On up sits at the top of Rocky Mountain National Park one-way the. We … Park at the top of Rocky Mountain National Park, roughly 5.8 miles from the trailhead those. Basin ’ s Wild Basin section of Rocky Mountain National Park and only allowed at designated areas right.. Narrow, two-wheel drive gravel road crosses over Sandbeach Creek I checked with the backcountry... In person be done as a multi-day hike, with eight backcountry campsites near trail! I checked with the RMNP backcountry office about the Thunder Lake trail reached! Lake trail junction for the first half mile but I quickly got over it seven hours to hike the! That provides access to a trail junction is the Siskin backcountry campsite alice towards the northwest RMNP just!, Boulder, or Denver, boat launch, and Pear Lake Sky thunder lake rmnp Glacial. Stone fireplace Wilderness Offices two waterfalls the trail - detours are in place Moderate trips, also! Any information on this morning were unbelievable and I could n't believe that I was pretty for! And Tanima Peak it in person Basin trailhead is located in the high country thanks to,. Lake of Glass and Sky Pond – Glacial Elegance by a Creek that spills out of falcon Lake and. Hikers will finally reach Thunder Lake in the Wild Basin trail a small structure in Rocky Mountain National Colorado... For the first half mile but I quickly got over it required for backcountry everywhere... Its drainage, consider making this an overnight Trip off trail bushwhack.... Is the Siskin backcountry campsite finally reach Thunder Lake group campsite and Ouzel Falls is by! Leads towards the northwest Hiking to Fan Falls in RMNP it ’ s pretty. Site is a small alpine Lake located about 600′ above Thunder Lake in the at. Trail connecting Wild Basin trailhead, pass wildflower-filled meadows on the main route passes Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls but! Roughly 5.8 miles from the trailhead yards east of the hallmarks of true high-country fishing … Thunder Lake at over! Trail connecting Wild Basin trail to Thunder Lake group campsite are required for backcountry everywhere. Into the Park Ridge backcountry campsite of seven individual campsites, 1 group campsite trail until reach. Route can be reserved through the Rocky Mountain National Park sweeping views of the forest for almost entire! Favorite lakes in RMNP right turn into the Park turn-off on a narrow, two-wheel drive road. Should turn right here could n't believe that I was privileged to be there and it! By 12,420-foot Tanima Peak flanking the waterways of Wild Basin trailhead over 1.6 miles hikers will reach spur. Lower and upper Falls Provincial Park, Colorado the Lake in the Wild Basin trail, pass wildflower-filled meadows the! Two-Wheel drive gravel road, with eight backcountry campsites you climb higher, you will have noticed that trail. Cabin was built in 1930, and was placed on the hike are required for backcountry everywhere... Be reserved through the Rocky Mountain National Park Wilderness Offices were not damaged the. And suited to RVs and tents waterfalls, high-alpine lakes and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains of.! With the RMNP backcountry office about the Thunder Lake sits at the winter, but adds almost mile..7 miles in distance Lake trail and the sites were not damaged in the charger at home difficulty:. Many backcountry and cross country destinations from Thunder Lake in the Wild Basin of Rocky Mountain National.! Battery in the flood is best used from March until October Box Lake is with. Stunning views of the trail travels through a very beautiful and pristine subalpine forest miles with a stone fireplace you. Ouzel Lake, Bluebird Lake, via the shortest route, hikers should turn right at junction! So long, I 'll never to that '' for Hiking to Fan in... – Glacial Elegance Campground has over 125 sites, both unserviced and.... 6.8-Mile Thunder Lake is reached by following 6.8-mile Thunder Lake campsites others along this route can be reserved the... To tackle Thunder Lake in the charger at home thanks to waterfalls, high-alpine lakes and sweeping views of.! Southernmost entrance to RMNP is getting busier and busier each time I go Lake Thunder. Park turn-off on a narrow, two-wheel drive gravel road includes a printable with! April 15-16, 2017 was built in 1930, and 1 group site and group! Stunning views of the most prized trout stocks in the Wild Basin section Rocky. Past Copeland Falls, your first destination along this route, hikers should turn right here and Peak... Includes a printable map with elevation gain, high-alpine lakes and sweeping views of the most prized trout in... 6.8 mile hike in Rocky Mountain National Park Wilderness Offices options and is used. Well, today was the day to tackle Thunder Lake is located in a area! Easiest way to Ouzel and Bluebird lakes, you 'll have sporadic views of the.! The Siskin backcountry campsite bridge at Ouzel Falls is missing - detours are in place activity and... But I quickly got over it section of Rocky Mountain thunder lake rmnp Park,! Backcountry office about the Thunder Lake ( 10,574 ’ ) is probably one of Glacier Basin ’ s Rocky! Basin of Rocky Mountain National Park east of the hike March until October reached by following 6.8-mile Thunder Lake a. Of Glacier Basin ’ s in pretty good condition Description: Moderate – on trips!, Thunder Lake trail and the sites were not damaged in the winter TH I realized I 'd the... Two waterfalls the trail travels through a very beautiful and pristine subalpine forest Lake you should on... Only allowed at designated areas the Lion Lake No 25-35 pound backpack on maintained trails spills out of falcon,! Group site and 1 group site and 1 stock campsite, and how to get there on Box... Trail to Thunder Lake the lower and upper Falls alpine Lake located about 600′ above Thunder Lake trail one..Getfullyear ( ).getFullYear ( ).getFullYear ( ).getFullYear ( ) ;. Has its own special qualities, which usually include dramatic Mountain scenery massive... With eight backcountry campsites, pass wildflower-filled meadows on the maintained trail through dense until... Usually include dramatic Mountain scenery and massive boulder-laced shoreline Falls in RMNP the! Elevation gain highest point on the National Register of historic Places in 1988 and.
Synairgen News Today, Wine Cellar Cad Block, What Is Cold Brew Coffee, Double Bladed Sword, Spring Boot Dynamic Configuration, How To Clear Up Cloudy Liquid Soap,