Hike to Boulder Lake, Eagles Nest Wilderness, Silverthorne, Colorado
Having just done a 19.6 mile run the day before, I was looking to get outside for a moderate hike to hopefully make my legs feel less stiff. I had actually never hiked to Boulder Lake, despite walking past the turn off for it on the Gore Range Trail several times so I decided to finally head up to the lake. I parked in the Rock Creek Trailhead and set out along the Gore Range Trail. It was a perfect fall day with many of the leaves showing off their yellow and orange colors. Views of the ridge line I was on the day before (Ute Pass to Ptarmigan Peak) were across the valley. After a little over 2 miles along the Gore Range Trail, I took a left at a sign that would take me to Boulder Lake.
At about 3 miles, I made it to the lake where there were several other groups and one family that was backpacking. The kids were playing in the lake, which was knee deep mud where they were. I found a log to sit on and took in the views of the lake, mountains, and yellow leaves while eating a snack. It’s a pretty setting, but one can see how loved that lake is based on how many very well established campsites there are. It made for a perfect day hike, but I’d probably pick somewhere a little more secluded for an overnight. Once I was done with my snack, I headed back to the car the same way I came.
Stats: 6.1 miles, 1500 vert.
