Hartenstein Lake Hike
Immerse yourself in Colorado’s high country as you venture the Hartenstein Lake Trail. Travel through the corridor of dramatic snow-capped Collegiate Peaks as you make your way to the charming Hartenstein Lake. This hike is truly unforgettable.
Quick Navigation
Join our newsletter
Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers
Route Description for Hartenstein Lake Hike
The Hartenstein Lake Hike is an impressively scenic adventure up to a small, shimmering alpine lake. Surround yourself in a sea of gold as you venture through aspen groves and appreciate the ambiance of gurgling streams as you climb through the high country. Traveling deep into the wilderness, there is no shortage of scenery, but it is important to be mindful of wildlife! The trail is muddy and rocky in areas, so wear sturdy and water-resistant footwear to avoid damp feet! Note that this trail is often cloaked in snow, so consider a pair of snowshoes! Additionally, the road to the trailhead is subject to seasonal closure in the winter months.
Begin your adventure along the Hartenstein Lake Trail from the Denny Creek Trailhead. From here, take the Brown’s Pass Trail north, which will guide you beneath the timberline. Enjoy the sights of vibrant aspens interspersed with towering pines as you trek further into the wilderness. Eventually, you will encounter an intersection. Here, keep left and continue hiking along the curves of Denny Creek. This section of the path will intersect with a small meadow before arriving at another junction where you will want to veer left onto the Hartenstein Lake Trail. Now tracking west, this path will guide you to the shores of the alpine lake.
Revel in the postcard-worthy scenery of Hartenstein Lake. The small lake is encircled by lush, towering evergreens with sights of the snow-capped Sawatch Mountain Summits peeking above the treeline. Enjoy the wonderful sights, and when you are ready, retrace your footing along the route all the way back to the trailhead.
Getting to the Hartenstein Lake Hike Trailhead
The Hartenstein Lake Hike departs from the Denny Creek Trailhead off County Road 306.
Route Information
Hartenstein Lake Hike Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherHartenstein Lake Hike Reviews
Add a comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Nearby Trails
- Colorado Trail Segment 13 via South Cottonwood Trailhead
- Avalanche Gulch via Main Range Trail
- Mount Columbia Hike
- Brown’s Cabin Trail
- Kroenke Lake Hike
- Bear Lake via Horn Fork Trail
- Mount Harvard Hike
- Collegiate Peaks Campground Hike
- Ptarmigan Lake Trail
- Mount Yale Summit Hike
- Ptarmigan Lake Trail
- Ptarmigan Lake Trail