Whitney Lake Trail

Route Description for Whitney Lake Trail

The Whitney Lake Trail is an enchanting nature walk through the Sawatch Mountain Range. We fear this well-kept secret won’t remain unknown for much longer, so head out to the trail ASAP! Traveling through dense pine forest and golden aspen groves, there is no shortage of scenery on your way to the alpine lake. The overgrowth of vegetation and poorly marked route adds to the charm of this adventure, but just make sure you have the trail GPS handy to avoid a wrong turn. Though manageable, sections of the trail are quite steep, so we suggest trekking poles and microspikes in the fall and winter months!

Embark on your adventure along the Whitney Lake Trail from the trailhead off Homestake Road. From here, take the Whitney Lake Trail west. There are no markers at the trailhead so it can be a bit tricky to locate. Immediately after departing from the trailhead, the path will begin to climb through the high country. Let the incredible sights of the verdant woodlands motivate you to persist up to the lake. Eventually, you will intersect with Whitney Creek, which marks the final push to the lake.

Navigate the vertiginous terrain up to the shoreline of the shimmering alpine waters. On a calm day, Whitney Lake reflects the image of the impressive snow-capped Whitney Peak- a truly breathtaking sight. Revel in the picturesque alpine scenery, and when you are ready to return to the trailhead, simply backtrack along the path.