Timber Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park

Timber Lake

The picturesque trail to this treeline-level lake is almost as much of an attraction as the lake itself.

Plan Around Timber Lake

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Timber Lake Details

NOTE: This trail was severely damaged by landslides in the summer of 2011. It is unknown whether the trail will be repaired or rerouted, and when this work will be completed. The picturesque trail to this treeline-level lake at the base of 12,880-foot Mt. Ida is almost as much of an attraction as the lake itself. The well-maintained, but seldom-used trail wanders through a lush, gentle forest landscape before entering a large, sunny meadow. Surrounded by steep, rocky hills, this subalpine meadow is home to a wide array of wildlife, from wildflowers to elk and moose, and soon leads to the large, picturesque lake that's home to the native Colorado River Cutthroat Trout.

Difficulty

Moderate

Distance

4.8 miles

Estimated time

5 hours

Region

N/A

Nearby Parks Around Timber Lake

Compare nearby parks around Timber Lake when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

9.1 mi away

Rocky Mountain

National Park · CO

164.5 mi away

Black Canyon

National Park · CO

173.2 mi away

Great Sand Dunes

National Park · CO

246.4 mi away

Arches

National Park · UT

254.2 mi away

Mesa Verde

National Park · CO

261.1 mi away

Canyonlands

National Park · UT

Nearby Points of Interest Around Timber Lake

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Timber Lake while the map context is still fresh.

2.0 mi away

Copeland Lake Picnic Area

This small picnic area sits alongside manmade Copeland Lake.

2.0 mi away

Copeland Lake Picnic Area

This small picnic area sits alongside manmade Copeland Lake.

2.1 mi away

Copeland Lake

This small, picturesque lake is easily accessible from the dirt road leading to the Wild Basin Trailhead.

3.4 mi away

Longs Peak Trailhead

The square-topped, 14,259-foot Longs Peak is one of Rocky Mountain National Park's most distinctive landmarks.

3.4 mi away

Longs Peak Trailhead

The square-topped, 14,255-foot Longs Peak is one of Rocky Mountain National Park's most distinctive landmarks.