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.
February 22, 2021We 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
February 21, 2021
February 21, 2021Beautiful! We hiked in just snow boots and regretted not putting on our snowshoes as they would’ve been helpful! Trail is mostly covered from wind until you get to the lake so that’s nice. Parking was insane, good luck with that!
February 21, 2021February 14, 2021Gorgeous trail. Did snowshoeing.
February 11, 2021A 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.
February 7, 2021February 6, 2021Very enjoyable! Super windy at the lake but a great hike with great views. Tough for parking but would go back.
February 3, 2021Love this hike! Beautiful snow fell on us the entire way...
January 31, 2021Very windy today, but a great little hike... microspikes weren't necessary but are helpful while walking on the on the frozen creek (very beginning). PARKING IS A NIGHTMARE ANYTIME OF DAY.
January 30, 2021Very windy, first time to lost lake
January 29, 2021Trail is straight up the whole time! the lake is the crown jewel
January 26, 2021Hiked Tuesday morning. There were a couple of cars parked when I arrived at 9:30. Only saw three other people. Quite pretty and quiet. Only the sounds of your footsteps and an occasional airplane.
January 25, 2021Great trails all over the area. Obviously busy on weekends, went on a Monday and had zero problems parking close to the trail head. Snow pack, perfectly doable without any extra but if you want more traction for hills and the lake grab the crampons.
January 25, 2021Used snowshoes but spikes would also be fine. Limited parking keeps trail from getting too busy. Got there before 8 and found a spot without any problem but was about 1/2 full. Nice scenic route to beautiful lake at the top.
January 25, 2021Spikes 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.
January 24, 2021Beautiful views! Hiked in microspikes.
January 24, 2021Bout 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!
January 23, 2021January 23, 2021January 23, 2021January 22, 2021Great quick hike with my dog! Definitely a good workout in the snow. Made it up just fine in spikes.
January 22, 2021Beautiful day - hiked in boots alone. Snow well packed down on trail and easy to follow.
January 21, 2021easy with spikes.
January 18, 2021Great hike! I used snowshoes but my friend used micro spikes and was fine.
January 18, 2021Beautiful! A bit busier than I like, but it was totally worth it!
January 18, 2021Trail and weather conditions were great. Enough snow for skis or snowshoes but packed enough you can hike it it with micro spikes.
