Lost Lake Trail

Looking for a nice short hike in the Rocky Mountains with your pooch? The Lost Lake Trail in Nederland, Colorado is a furrific 1.4-mile path through the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest that will let you and your canine companion enjoy the mountain views and a crystal-clear alpine lake without getting too worked up. Take any necessary supplies along, including water and clean up bags.

Starting at the Hessie Trailhead on Hessie Townsite/Trailhead Road (Forest Road 111.1), where you can park in the barking lot at no charge, you will begin your adventure on the Devil’s Thumb Trail #902. After crossing a footbridge over the Middle Boulder Creek right at the beginning of the trail, you and your pup will start the steep climb for about a half mile on an old logging road. 

When you get to the Devil’s Thumb Bypass, at about one mile into your hike, right before the next bridge, stay to the left (south). Cross the bridge and stay on the main Devil’s Thumb Trail following the creek. You and your pup will be shaded by large Ponderosa and lodgepole pines, juniper, and fir trees, which will protect you and your furry furiend from the sun most of the way.

Make sure you and your pup take the time to stop and take some photos along the trail because there are some pawesome shots of the Rockies and the surrounding mountain ranges, as well as valleys and lakes that will make for some amazing photo ops. Be alert and keep your pup on a leash because there are a lot of animals wandering around here like moose, elk, antelope, sheep, deer, and little critters like pikas, prairie dogs, squirrels, and rabbits. 

The mountain meadows open up in many areas for some views of vibrant colors of the Colorado wildflowers such as wild roses, orchids, and diffurent colors of columbines. This is a pupular trail, so expect to see others along your walk. The Lost Lake is about 1.4 miles into the hike, and many people like to camp here, so don’t be surprised to see tents surrounding the lake, which isn’t as lost as its name implies. 

The walk back is all downhill, so it will be an easier hike than the way there. Slow down a little bit and keep your eyes peeled for things you may have missed on the way there. You and your canine kid will probably want to come back again to enjoy this nice, easy hike to a beautiful lake.