Resthouse Meadows Trail

When you and your canine companion want to go on a long hike for a nice workout, the Resthouse Meadows Trail in Idaho Springs, Colorado is one trip you should check out. It is a 10-mile round trip of an out and back trek. The way there is a bit of an escalation, then the last mile or so drops steeply and is quite rocky. This is a moderate to difficult walk through the thick trees of Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest in the Mount Evans Wilderness area that you and your poochie will find to be pawsitively pawesome.

Your adventurous trek starts at the Echo Lake Campground on Mount Evans Road (Highway 5) where there is a parking lot, restrooms, and water access. However, you will need to bring some baggies from home to pick up after your furry friend along the way. The beginning of the trail starts right by the restrooms and is clearly marked with a large sign. For the first mile, you and your pupster will climb through the woods, and then the path descends to Vance Creek. 

Once you cross the creek, the path starts to climb uphill again to the southwest and then opens up in a large meadow that was made by the 1968 Lincoln Lake Fire that burned 700 acres. The result of this burn is a plethora of vibrant wildflowers of all diffurent kinds and colors. Often there are bighorn sheep, elk, and mountain goats in the meadow so make sure your camera is handy. The trail levels out here and there is a junction with the Lincoln Lake Trail, which takes you through the tree break to Lincoln Lake, where the trail ends. 

Lincoln Lake is beautiful and clear as glass with great fishing if you want to stay and try your luck, but you will need a Colorado State fishing license. On your way back, take some extra time to look closely at everything to make sure you didn’t miss anything. 

For a pawesome outdoor adventure with your pup, head to the Resthouse Meadows Trail!