Location: Carson National Forest
Length, One-Way: 4 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 10300 feet
Maximum Elevation: 11495 feet
Elevation Change: 1195 feet
Best Season: July to October
Difficulty: Difficult
Usage: Heavy
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Trail Information
The Lost Lake Trail begins at the parking area along the jeep road to Middle Fork Lake. Both sides of the jeep road are fenced in for about the 1/4 mile to prevent trespass on the surrounding land.
Visitors hiking the Lost Lake Trail must stay on the road. The road forks at the creek crossing. The fork going straight is gated and closed to the public. Take the fork to the left and cross the creek at the footbridge. The elevation at the creek crossing is 9,650 feet. For the next mile, follow the trail along the east side of the creek. At times you follow the jeep trail as it switches back and forth on its way to Middle Fork Lake. Middle Fork Lake is not in the wilderness.
Foot and horseback travelers on the Lost Lake Trail should note that this road is heavily used by motorcycles and four-wheel drive vehicles during the summer months. You will reach the trailhead to Lost Lake at the river crossing. The trail is signed and is to your left. It weaves through Douglas-fir and white fir stands and goes up the slope to some breathtaking vista points. After traveling about two miles, the trail leaves the forest and crosses a saddle on the ridge. The country opens up into small meadows with some aspen and scattered stands of spruce. Continue up through these lovely openings across several rock outcroppings.
When the snow falls, the Lost Lake Trail becomes a nice winter adventure for snowshoers.
Directions
Travel south approximately six miles on State Highway 578 (old Highway 150) to the junction of Middle Fork and East Fork. The pavement ends here. Take the road to the right, Forest Road 58, for a distance of approximately 1.5 miles to a parking area. No turnaround or parking is available beyond this point.
