Lost Lake Trail

Route Description for Lost Lake Trail

Hiking the Lost Lake trail is a fairly easy-going activity; however, there is a bit of rocky terrain towards the end of the route and there can sometimes be downed trees along the path. Be sure to wear proper hiking footwear for this adventure. Additionally, Mesa Lakes is a popular area with a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts, so be sure to arrive early to secure parking.

If you are looking for a scenic lakeside adventure that isn’t very difficult, then the Lost Lake Trail is the perfect route for you. This fun hiking trail is particularly beautiful in the fall, when the changing colors of the leaves make for the perfect backdrop to the quaint beauty of the lakes. This is an ideal route if you are looking for a great family-friendly trail in Mesa Lakes.

Setting out from the trailhead, you will make your way south through the tree cover for roughly 225ft, where you will meet up with the trail that will lead you to Lost Lake. Here, you will turn left along the path and follow it south as it skirts around the edge of Mesa Lake, offering some pleasant views across the water as you head through the forest.

Continuing along the lakeside path for 1.1 km the trail will bend to the southwest and you will soon arrive at a fork. Keep left here and follow the trail uphill through the tree cover, where you will soon come to the shores of South Mesa Lake.

After skirting around the edge of the water, you will continue through the forest for a short distance and break out of the tree cover to soon arrive at the destination of the hike, Lost Lake. Take some time here to explore the area and take in the natural beauty of this quaint emerald lake, before backtracking along the same route to return to the trailhead where you started the Lost Lake Trail.

Trail Highlights

Lost Lake

Located in Mesa Lakes, Colorado, Lost Lake is a small emerald lake just south of the popular recreation areas of Mesa Lake and South Mesa Lake. The elongated body of water sits nestled between two small hills and is surrounded by scattered forest cover, making it a lovely secluded destination on a short hike.

Insider Hints for Lost Lake Trail

• Wear proper hiking footwear, as there is some rocky terrain along the route.
• Parking can be found at several points around Mesa Lake.
• Toilet facilities can be found near the Jumbo Lake Campground.