Twin Crater Lakes

Hike Name: Twin Crater Lakes Location: north CO Length: 6.5 Submitted by: Andy Leach Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more Colorado trail reviews Colorado national parks Colorado state parks
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Description
The trailhead starts at the confluence of the Laramie River and the West Branch of the Laramie River. The hike begins with a gradual ascent through aspen groves. Aspens give way to pine after a mile or so. The trail climbs steadily paralleling the West Branch of the Laramie River. You can hear the river from the trail but you can't see it.

The trail levels out for a while as it leaves the West Branch of the Laramie River and follows the North Fork. The forest becomes wet and lush as the trail follows the North Fork. There are a couple of small stream crossings and then the trail begins to climb steeply for what seems like a mile (but is probably less).

After the steep climb, the trail flattens out again and the forest opens up into high mountain meadows. The approach to the lakes continues to be relatively flat and open (with many great places to camp) until you're almost there. The last quarter of a mile is a very steep climb up to the lakes.

Once at the lakes, there are more great places to camp (though fires are not allowed this high - 11,000 ft). The lakes are spectacular and full of fish. I've seen mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and deer on slopes of the nearby mountains. Short (but very steep) hikes can take you to Rock Hole Lake and Bench Lake. These lakes offer more beautiful views and fishing.

This hike is about 6.5 miles (one-way) and worth every step. The views from the lakes are spectacular, the hike itself is challenging but not hellish, and the camping in the area is great.
The trailhead starts at the confluence of the Laramie River and the West Branch of the Laramie River. The hike begins with a gradual ascent through aspen groves. Aspens give way to pine after a mile or so. The trail climbs steadily paralleling the West Branch of the Laramie River. You can hear the river from the trail but you can't see it.

The trail levels out for a while as it leaves the West Branch of the Laramie River and follows the North Fork. The forest becomes wet and lush as the trail follows the North Fork. There are a couple of small stream crossings and then the trail begins to climb steeply for what seems like a mile (but is probably less).

After the steep climb, the trail flattens out again and the forest opens up into high mountain meadows. The approach to the lakes continues to be relatively flat and open (with many great places to camp) until you're almost there. The last quarter of a mile is a very steep climb up to the lakes.

Once at the lakes, there are more great places to camp (though fires are not allowed this high - 11,000 ft). The lakes are spectacular and full of fish. I've seen mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and deer on slopes of the nearby mountains. Short (but very steep) hikes can take you to Rock Hole Lake and Bench Lake. These lakes offer more beautiful views and fishing.

This hike is about 6.5 miles (one-way) and worth every step. The views from the lakes are spectacular, the hike itself is challenging but not hellish, and the camping in the area is great.

Directions to Hike
From Fort Collins, head west up Poudre Canyon (Highway 14) for a long ways. Turn right (north) onto Laramie River Road (103). If you pass Chamber Lake Campground, Long Draw Trailhead, or Blue Lake Trailhead you went too far. Head north up Laramie River Road for a couple of miles until you get to West Branch Trailhead (the trailhead is right after Tunnel Campground). The total drive takes me about 1.45 hours from downtown Fort Collins (but I drive faster than most).

Contact Information
Rawah Wilderness, Roosovelt National Forest
Canyon Lakes Ranger District
(970) 498-2770

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