Lost Lake Trail 395-Snowy Range
From Coloradohikingtrails
Lost Lake Trail 395-Snowy Range
The Lost Lake Trail is one of many trails criss-crossing the Snowy Range of the Medicine Bow - Routt National Forest. The trail passes through subalpine terrain, passing through meadows, and by numerous high-mountain lakes and streams. It offers impressive views of the rugged Medicine Bow Range, alpine lakes, and lush vegetation and wildflowers.
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Trailhead Information
Lost Lake 395 Trailhead
Near To: Brooklyn Lake Campground and Centennial, Wyoming
Driving Directions To Trailhead
From Laramie, drive east on US Highway 130 approximately 40 miles. Turn right (north) on Brooklyn Lake Rd. No. 317 toward St. Alban's Chapel and Brooklyn Lake Campground. Pass the North Fork Trail and Sheep Lake Trail trailheads, and the Lost Lake Trailhead is adjacent to the campground, on the right (north) side of the road. Restrooms are available in the campground.
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Lost Lake 395 Trailhead
Maps & Images Lat: 41.3742 Long: -106.247
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Trail & Hike Description
Although this hike is in Wyoming, not Colorado, I have included it among the Colorado hiking trails because of it's proximity to, and ready access from, Northern Colorado.
From the trailhead at Brooklyn Lake, the trail begins a gentle ascent, offering great views of Brooklyn Lake below you. A short hike of lesss than a mile brings you to East Glacier Lake, followed immediately by West Glacier Lake. Both lakes are surrounded by wind-blown evergreens and low-growing foliage, typical of vegetation at these altitudes. The ridges of the Medicine Bow Range rise up from the north shore, provide a stark backdrop for these picturesque lakes. When we hiked this trail in early August, the ridge was still snow-covered, and there were large snow drifts along the southeast shore of East Glacier Lake.
The Glacier Lakes alone are worth the hike, but the best is still to come. Leaving Glacier Lakes, the trail parallels the mountainous peaks to the north, passing through lush meadows and conifer forests. As you hike the trail, you'll pass several small mountain lakes. In less than another mile, the forest will open up, and you'll begin a short climb up to a ridge. From here are breathtaking views of the Telephone Lakes, and the verdant forests and meadows below you.
Lost Lake comes by its name honestly, as it can be a little difficult to find. As you climb the ascent described above, the trail to Lost Lakes branches off to the north. See the GPS coordinates above for the location of this turn-off (it is also noted on the Google Map above - zoom out or click-and-drag on the map to see the various waypoints). Once you make this turn, a short 1/4 mile hike over a couple of small ridges brings you to the shores of Lost Lake.
Like the Glacier Lakes, Lost Lake is surrounded by the rocky ridges, still snow-covered even in early August. The water is shallow and crystal-clear. We saw several trout swimming near shore.
From Lost Lake, return to the main trail. From here, you can return to the Brooklyn Lake Trailhead, or to extend the hike, proceed down the trail past Telephone Lakes. The Lost Lake Trail eventually intersects with the North Gap Lake Trail No. 108. If you've brought two vehicles, you can leave one at the Lewis Lake Trailhead, and hike the length of the Lost Lake Trail (about 3.5 miles), and then take the North Gap Lake Trail to the Lewis Lake Trailhead.
External Links & References
Lost Lake Trail 395-Snowy Range Picture Gallery
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Click on the picture to see a larger version. Contribute additional pictures - the more the better! |
 Brooklyn Lake and Medicine Bow Range |
 East Glacier Lake |
 West Glacier Lake |
 Meadows and Lake Along Lost Lake Trail |
 Wildflowers Near West Glacier Lake |
 Alpine Lake Along Lost Lake Trail |
Lost Lake |
 Lost Lake |
 Telephone Lakes From Lost Lake Trail |
