Lost Lake

A waterfall-lined hike from the Hessie ghost town to a subalpine lake ringed by old mine workings.

About Lost Lake

Lost Lake is a popular Boulder County hike that starts at the Hessie Trailhead, just past the old mining town of Eldora west of Nederland. The trail climbs beside a rushing creek and past cascading water. At the junction, you head south on Lost Lake Trail #813 to a forested lake at roughly 9,800 feet, beneath the edge of the Indian Peaks.

Boulder County lists the round trip at about 4.2 miles from the shuttle drop-off, with roughly 800 feet of gain. Walking around the lake adds about another mile. Around the shore there are first-come, first-served campsites, and mining remnants sit on the slopes above the water.

It's an excellent short hike for photographers. You get waterfalls on the way up, a still lake framed by spruce and rock, and strong fall color in the aspen stands lower down.

A 4-mile out-and-back near Nederland, moderately challenging and popular for backpacking, camping, and fishing rather than just a day hike. It's open and worth visiting year-round, and dogs are welcome on leash — camping here means you get first light on the water before any day hikers arrive.

History

The Hessie townsite you pass on the drive in was founded during the 1898-1899 gold-prospecting boom around Eldora. J.H. Davis established it and named it after his wife. In 1899 it had about 30 permanent residents, with more prospectors in the surrounding hills. Little ore was found, though, and the townsite was deserted by around 1905. A few historic cabins are still visible along the road.

The mining relics above Lost Lake date from the same era of prospecting. Today the area is part of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, at the doorstep of the Indian Peaks Wilderness.

Photographing Lost Lake

Best light: Morning is best. The lake is calmest early, before breezes and crowds pick up, and the waterfalls are easier to expose in open shade. Late September brings golden aspens along the Hessie road and lower trail. June and early July have the strongest snowmelt in the cascades.

Shots to look for

Shortly past the bridge, frame the waterfall on the right side of the trail with a slow shutter (1/4 to 1 s) and an ND filter.
Make a calm-morning reflection from the lake's shore with spruce and rocky slopes mirrored in the water.
From the loop around the lake, include the old mine workings above the water for a human-history element.
Shoot the Hessie cabins and aspens along the road in autumn.
Use a telephoto for intimate cascade details along the creek: moss, foam lines and rock textures.

Photo tips

Take the free Hessie shuttle when it's running (roughly Memorial Day to fall on Fridays, weekends and holidays from Nederland). Parking near Hessie is very limited.
A polarizer cuts glare on the creek and the lake surface.
Bring a light tripod for the waterfalls. The trail is busy, so set up off to the side.
Stay out of old mine openings.
Expect mosquitoes around the lake in early summer.

Know before you go

Parking near Hessie is limited and enforced. Use the seasonal free shuttle from Nederland when it runs, and check Boulder County for current dates.
The Hessie road can be rough and wet. Check conditions before driving in.
Lakeside camping is first-come, first-served at designated sites. Check current USFS rules before you plan an overnight.
Leashed dogs are welcome on the shuttle. Check USFS rules for dogs on the trail.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Lost Lake hike near Nederland?

It's about 4.2 miles round trip from the Hessie shuttle drop-off, with roughly 800 feet of gain. A loop around the lake adds about a mile.

Is there a shuttle to the Hessie Trailhead?

Yes. Boulder County runs a free seasonal shuttle from Nederland on summer Fridays, weekends and holidays. Check the county's site for this year's dates.

Can you camp at Lost Lake?

Yes. There are first-come, first-served campsites around the lake. Confirm current Forest Service rules before you go.

Featured in: Best Fall Color Spots in Colorado · Easy Colorado Hikes With Big Views · Colorado Waterfall Hikes

Combine it with

Diamond Lake Trail · Crater Lakes · Rainbow Lakes · Nederland

More Colorado spots

Dakota Ridge Trail · Mt Falcon · Mount Holy Cross and Halo Ridge

Sources & further reading: bouldercounty.gov · hikingproject.com · denver7.com · indianpeakswilderness.org. Conditions, fees and rules change; check with the managing agency before you go.