The long hike to King Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness is worth the effort. Near the end, you are rewarded with great views, rushing water, and abundant wildflowers. Getting there requires a 6.5 mile hike from the Hessie Trailhead near Nederland, CO. The trail begins steeply as it climbs over a rocky slope before reaching a trail divide after 1.5 miles. Veer left (the right branch goes toward Jasper Lake). The trail crosses the creek and climbs past a beautiful waterfall. You reach a trail divide again at mile marker 2.5. Keep straight. Then the trail enters the forest and climbs only gradually for the next three miles. Not many views are found during this portion of the hike. Finally, the trail joins up with the creek again at around mile 5.5. The next mile is steep as it switch backs up to a meeting with the Betty and Bob Lakes trail. Just past the junction you have to cross the creek to reach King Lake. In high water, the creek can be crossed easier to the right and then skirting back to the trail through some large boulders. Finally, after a long hike, you reach the pretty shores of King Lake.
The South Fork of Middle Boulder Creek, King Lake Trail, Indian Peaks Wilderness, CO
King Lake outlet, King Lake Trail, Indian Peaks Wilderness, CO
The South Fork of Middle Boulder Creek, King Lake Trail, Indian Peaks Wilderness, CO
The South Fork of Middle Boulder Creek, King Lake Trail, Indian Peaks Wilderness, CO
The South Fork of Middle Boulder Creek, King Lake Trail, Indian Peaks Wilderness, CO
The South Fork of Middle Boulder Creek, King Lake Trail, Indian Peaks Wilderness, CO
The South Fork of Middle Boulder Creek, King Lake Trail, Indian Peaks Wilderness, CO
King Lake, Indian Peaks Wilderness, CO
King Lake outlet, King Lake Trail, Indian Peaks Wilderness, CO
King Lake outlet, King Lake Trail, Indian Peaks Wilderness, CO