State: Colorado
Location: Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests
Length, One-Way: 1.4 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 9000 feet
Maximum Elevation: 9800 feet
Best Season: June to October
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Moderate
Horseshoe Bend in Colorado River
Trail Information
If you choose to skip driving through the water and park on the Fourth of July Road, take the quarter mile long Columbine Trail which starts at the bottom of the first hill, just before the water. It is a recently constructed trail that bypasses the flooded part of the road and comes in at the Hessie Townsite. From the Townsite, the road continues rough and with large mud puddles another quarter mile to the Hessie Trailhead. There is very little parking at the trailhead itself.
From the trailhead, cross the footbridge and take the Devil’s Thumb Trail, which climbs steeply for about a half-mile on an old road. The Devil’s Thumb Bypass turns right (north) in 0.8 miles, just before the bridge. Do not take the Devil’s Thumb Bypass, as it does not pass the Lost Lake Trail junction.
It is 1.1 miles from the trailhead to the Lost Lake Trail junction, which is right at the top of a hill. Turn left (south) following signs for Lost Lake Trail. The lake is up another half mile on a good trail. There are old mines on the hillside above.
After snow begins to fall, it is common to see snowshoers and backcountry skiers along the Lost Lake Trail.
Directions
From Peak-to-Peak Highway (CO 119/72):
Turn west on County Road 130, located just south of the center of the town of Nederland and follow signs for Eldora Ski Resort and the town of Eldora. At the fork in the road, keep right, through the town of Eldora. At the end of town, continue westward as the pavement ends, following to the left at the next road fork for Hessie Trailhead.
Popularity: 3% [?]
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