Trappers Lake (9,627′), Flat Tops
Roughly a mile and a half long and half a mile wide, reaching depths of 180 feet, Trappers Lake is the second largest natural lake in Colorado after Grand Lake. You reach the lake by taking the Flat Tops Scenic Byway from Yampa or Meeker.
The area is as wild today as it was when it was first discovered. In 1891 White River, which includes the Flat Tops, became one of the first two National Forests in the U.S.
The trail around the lake is named for Arthur Carhart, whose survey near the lake in 1919 inspired him to recommend preserving the area without development for future generations to enjoy. Arthur Carhart’s efforts set the stage for the Wilderness Act of 1964 and the National Wilderness Preservation System which includes Trappers Lake and the rest of the Flat Tops Wilderness.
Trail Stats
- Trailhead: Arthur H Carhart Trail #1815
- Round trip: 5.5 miles / 8.8 km
- Elevation: 9,627′ – 9,950′ / 2,934 m – 3,033 m
- County: Routt
- Agency: U.S. Forest Service
- Nat’l Forest: White River
- Nat’l Wilderness: Flat Tops
Trail Pictures
View of Trappers Lake from the Arthur H Carhart Trail
View of Trappers Lake from the Arthur H Carhart Trail
View to the southeast from the trail
View to the southeast from the trail
Trailhead for the Arthur H Carhart trail
Trailhead for the Arthur H Carhart trail
Northwestern side of Trappers Lake
Northwestern side of Trappers Lake
Looking into the Amphitheater
Looking into the Amphitheater
South side of the lake
South side of the lake
The major inlet to the left
The major inlet to the left
Trappers Peak on the left
Trappers Peak on the left
The cabin at Trappers Lake
The cabin at Trappers Lake
The cabin sits on the east side of the lake
The cabin sits on the east side of the lake
Looking northwest towards the trailhead
Looking northwest towards the trailhead
Trappers Lake in early June
Trappers Lake in early June
Heading south to the cabin
Heading south to the cabin
Little Trappers Lake lies beyond the cabin
Little Trappers Lake lies beyond the cabin
Small lake inlets to the left
Small lake inlets to the left
1.5 miles long, .5 miles wide and reaching a depth of 180′.
1.5 miles long, .5 miles wide and reaching a depth of 180′.
Several types of trout live in the lake
Several types of trout live in the lake
A Brown Bear on the hillside near the lake
A Brown Bear on the hillside near the lake
Over 11,400′ high flat top
Over 11,400′ high flat top
Fishing for trout in the distance
Fishing for trout in the distance
The trail heading north
The trail heading north
The trail leading around the lake
The trail leading around the lake
One of the many small inlets
One of the many small inlets
Trappers Lake TH view
Trappers Lake TH view
GPS Route with Elevation
Video Tour
Weather
Trail Directions
From the end of Trappers Lake road, take the Arthur H Carhart Trail in either direction around the lake. The trailhead is next to the Trappers Lake Overlook. The trail is easy to follow in summer conditions.
Trailhead Directions
Good Article
Stunning scenery around that lake – would be a joy to hike or run.