Lost Lake via Hessie Trail is a 4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Nederland, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, snowshoeing, and backpacking and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
FIRE CLOSURE: As of January 2021, there are closures in this park or area due to wildfire. For more information, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/arp/alerts-notices. There is a shuttle that runs between Nederland High school and the Hessie trailhead. Visit https://www.bouldercounty.org/open-space/parks-and-trails/hessie-trailhead/
Boulder Ranger District 2140 Yarmouth Avenue Boulder, CO 80301 Phone: 303-541-2500
A few parts can get very slippery: ice spikes, micro spikes or poles recommended.
Lost Lake is accessed from the Hessie Trailhead just outside the southeast boundary of the Indian Peaks Wilderness near Nederland, Colorado. From downtown Nederland, go south on Highway 72 for .5 miles to County Road 130 and make a right. You will see a sign for Eldora Ski Resort at this junction. In the summer, catch the free shuttle from the RTD Park-n-Ride in Nederland.
We got there at the perfect time! Wind didn’t pick up till we were on the way down. Beautiful view on the way down, the way up was very steep the whole way up but overall a nice trail to get your heart rate up
A guy went missing near this trailhead a week ago. Sharing incase anyone sees something. If so call the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office 303-441-4444. I hiked it yesterday; pretty, snowy, beautiful lake on top.
Spikes were helpful, didn't find poles or snowshoes necessary. Beautiful hike! Lots of dogs too. Parking is alongside in/out road, was full at 10am on Sunday when I got down but started seeing a lot of people around 830am. Not a ton of parking and narrow turnaround at the end. Good to be respectful of speed limits near trailhead.
Bout 11am on Saturday • New 2 area, winter hiking, it's gear, etc. Been checking out best 1st hiking real woods area 2 start off in WITHOUT ANY special gear after doing the EASY Barker Dam trail (3 miles) in city Nederland, CO several times 2 prepare. Ended up being a perfect fit! Had regular hiking shoes, which wasn't perfect fit but worked. Next time, unless more snow, clamp-on spiky gadgets on bottom of shoes is much safer! Was lots of hiking traffic (many with proper gear) & lots of dogs, which was fun & cute! That much traffic made us feel really safe from threat of possible agressive wild things being brand new 2 area. It also showed us a variety of helpful gear options for future. Saw clamp-ons on regular hiking shoes a lot, more snow shoes & few on skis. Turned around bout 1/2 mile before lake. But, highly recommend this for beginners who have already hiked 3 to 5 miles for a while. We did not know details of trail prior & found the mostly all up hill aspect the hardest since we were hiking no hilly areas b4. But, we had prepared 4 more difficulty by hiking every other day 3 to 5 miles. SUPER BEAUTIFUL FOREST, VIEWS & FRIENDLY HIKERS! HOPE THIS HELPS NEWBIES & HoPPy Trails!
Great quick hike with my dog! Definitely a good workout in the snow. Made it up just fine in spikes.
Beautiful day - hiked in boots alone. Snow well packed down on trail and easy to follow.
Beautiful! A bit busier than I like, but it was totally worth it!
Trail and weather conditions were great. Enough snow for skis or snowshoes but packed enough you can hike it it with micro spikes.