Zimmerman Lake Trail 977

From Coloradohikingtrails

Zimmerman Lake Trail 977
Zimmerman Lake is popoular trail for hikers in the summer, and cross-country skiers and snowshoers in the winter. Following an old logging road to the lake, it is an easy hike with a modest elevation gain, offering views of the Neota Wilderness. Zimmerman Lake is a picturesque mountain lake, with the backdrop of a red ridge.

Fast Facts
Distance(Miles):	1.0 one-way
Trail Surface & Condition:	Dirt
Other Trail Users:	Bicycles, Dogs, Horses
Ownership:	National Forest
Best Seasons:	Year around with snowshoes/skis in winter
Type:	Out-and-Back
Beginning Elev (Feet):	10,030
Ending Elev (Feet):	10,480
Elevation Gain (Feet):	+450
Difficulty Rating:	1.9
Zimmerman Lake Trailhead GPS Coordinates:	Latitude: 40.53944 Longitude: -105.88185
Zimmerman Lake GPS Coordinates:	Latitude: 40.54147 Longitude: -105.8703

Zimmerman Lake

Trailhead Information

Zimmerman Lake Trailhead
Near To: Cameron Pass and Fort Collins, Colorado

Driving Directions To Trailhead From Ted's Place north of Fort Collins on US Hwy 287, Take Poudre Canyon (Hwy 14) 57.5 miles; the Zimmerman Lake Trailhead is on the left (east) side of the road, just below Cameron Pass. Look for the trailhead information sign near the trees behind the restroom - this is the start of the trail. Restrooms available at the parking lot, no water.

Zimmerman Lake Trailhead

Elevation: 10,030'

Maps & Images Lat: 40.53944 Long: -105.88185

Street map from Google Maps or Yahoo! Maps

Satellite image from Google Maps or Microsoft Virtual Earth

Aerial image or topographic map from TerraServer-USA

Trail & Hike Description

Zimmerman Lake is named after John Zimmerman, a homesteader who operated the Keystone Hotel in Poudre Canyon (where the fish hatchery is now located) from the mid-1890s until his death in 1919. Zimmerman Lake was part of the family homestead, and remained in the Zimmerman family until it became public land through a land trade in the late 1950s. Lake Agnes, on the other side of Cameron Pass, was named after John's daughter, Agnes Zimmerman.

The trail follows an old logging road that was built to Zimmerman Lake in 1957 for logging purposes. The road heads uphill to the lake through subalpine fir forest. Arriving at the lake, you can take unmaintained trails around the lake for views of the lake and the red volcanic ridge that rises from the lake's east shore. From Zimmerman Lake, you can enter the Neota Wilderness, however if you do it will be cross-country, since there are no constructed trails within the Neota Wilderness Area.

The Colorado Division of Wildlife has successfully reintroduced native Greenback Cutthroat Trout into Zimmerman Lake. If you are planning on fishing, read the fishing guidelines sign near the trailhead, as specific regulations apply. As of the date this description was written, the fishing regulations at Zimmerman Lake are:

Fishing is by artificial flies and lures only.
All trout must be returned to the water immediately upon catch.
Fishing is prohibited in the inlet area as posted from January 1 through July 31.

See the Colorado Division Of Wildlife Regulations for more details.

External Links & References

Zimmerman Lake Trail description on US Forest Service web site.