Lion Lake Trail

Route Description for Lion Lake Trail

The Lion Lake Hike is an awesome journey through the Rocky Mountain National Park. Every step you take along this adventure will reveal a different perspective of the encompassing mountainous wilderness. Reserved for experienced hikers, this adventure ascends hike elevation by way of technical terrain. Make sure to check the forecast prior to your excursion to avoid getting caught in inclement weather. The diversity of the terrain also means diverse conditions, so wear layers to be prepared for anything! Additionally, we highly recommend acclimating to the altitude in the area prior to this hike. Note visitors are required to purchase a park pass to use the network of trails.

When you are all laced up and ready to roll, follow the Wild Basin Trail southwest from the trailhead. Hike past several cascading waterfalls before reaching the first junction. Here, stay right and you will be diverted onto the Thunder Lake Trail. Hike this path past several dispersed campsites and along the North St. Vrain Creek. Eventually, you will pass Twin Lakes and encounter another intersection. Again, stay right and you will merge onto the Lion Lake Trail. The final push to Lion Lake is technical and lengthy, so make sure you have some field in the tank. Follow the trail up the steep rocky terrain to Lion Lake.

Revel in the beauty of the crystalline alpine lake that sits in the foreground of looming snow-capped peaks. Explore the lake’s shores and if you are feeling adventurous, hike up past the stunning cascading Trio Waterfalls to Lion Lake Number Two and Snowbank Lake. Enjoy the scenery and rest before commencing your descent. When you are ready to roll, retrace your steps the way you came, all the way back to the trailhead.