Three Lakes Trail is a 3.4 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Somerset, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
A spectacular trail with a new wow around every bend. This is an amazing trail,one that is well worth the trip to its remote location. This trail is packed full of beauty and excitement, and is only moderately difficult hike. In this hike you will visit three beautiful alpine lakes, see many different types of wildflowers (in season), view dramatic mountain ranges, and enjoy thundering waterfalls. You will encounter ever changing plant life. The trail alternates between wildflower meadows, aspen forest, and fir and spruce. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. It has a good tread way, and an average 8% slope. The trailhead is located in a pretty remote part of Colorado so why not consider camping here. The Lost Lake campground is one of the most scenic in Colorado. There is also plenty of free dispersed camping off Kebler Pass or forest road 706 on the way to Lost Lake. This area does charge a day use fee of $3. There are restrooms, water, and parking available at the trailhead. Dogs are allowed on a leash, or under direct voice command. Horses allowed on the trail, but no motorized vehicles are allowed. The trail has an elevation gain of around 500ft. The trail signage indicates 3 miles round-trip. The 4.5 miles shown here includes hiking around lost lake, the side trip to Dollar Lake, side trip to the falls, and completing the loop between trailheads (via the road) The forest service indicates this trail is only open June - November. Be sure you call and make sure the area is open before driving to the trail.
For any questions or comments please contact: Paonia Ranger District 403 N. Rio Grande Ave., P.O. Box 1030 Paonia, CO 81428 Phone: (970) 527-4131 Fax: (970) 527-4151 or E-Mail: lbroyles@fs.fed.us or vullrey@fs.fed.us
The Lush Underbrush and abundant lakes come with a price, Mosquitoes. Consider long pants / shirt and don't forget your bug spray. The trail includes some really great photography opportunities. Bring your good equipment. Consider a wildflower identification guide to identify the many species of wildflowers you will encounter. Fishing is good at all three lakes, so bring your fishing gear. (When I was there in July Mosquitoes were the most productive bait)
October 31, 2020Chill walk! Little muddy and some snow
October 23, 2020October 19, 2020Pleasant walk through the woods. The lakes were pretty and there were some nice mountain views, but this hike lacks the wow factor that so many others in this area have. It's a good choice for small children, or if your legs are beat up from days of tough climbs. Regular-clearance cars are fine.
October 17, 2020Pleasant, enjoyable hike with beautiful views.
October 15, 2020Beautiful hike!
October 14, 2020Great shade throughout, clearly marked with signs, secluded (only passed 1 other person while out). Multiple drainage ways criss-cross the actual path, so don't let that through you off. They did a good job of placing logs across many of them to help direct you to stay on the trail. Easiest to park in the Horse Parking or Fishing Access areas. Waterfall was more of a trickle at this time of year, but still very nice loop overall.
October 13, 2020October 5, 2020Really phenomenal way to spend an afternoon.
October 2, 2020Astounding views!!
October 2, 2020Beautiful hike, great for seeing the aspens. Do not miss dollar lake
October 1, 2020September 27, 2020The trail is rated as moderate which is fair. There are a few water crossings but nothing terrible. The trail is clear and easy to find with good signage. Can also be steep, rocky, and narrow at times. The fall foliage is beautiful. Overall a great hike. A few things about this hike. The road to get there is a gravel county road. It's in good shape but very dusty and can be narrow at times. Also, this hike is attached to a campground which was overflowing with people. I came across several groups with small children (3-4 years) who were just not equipped to handle the terrain. Interesting parenting choices. Also, most dogs I came across were not leashed and this caused some issues. If you are planning to do this hike, go mid-week if you are seeking peace and quiet.
September 26, 2020The area around the campground isn't great but it is fantastic up in the woods. The views at Dollar Lake were breathtaking.
September 19, 2020September 18, 2020September 14, 2020It was great to see such beautiful lakes and some waterfalls! The trail was moderately trafficked on a Saturday morning/afternoon with ppl fishing and hikers.
September 8, 2020Hiked on 9/6/2020. Easily accessible by any vehicle. Beautiful, easy hike. The panoramic view is worth it. Would definitely recommend!
September 6, 2020August 30, 2020Dirt road getting in. Lots of places to camp right at trail head. Lots of dogs off leash. Trails pretty straight forward, a couple of splits to pay attention to. Lakes were beautiful. $6 fee for day use.
August 29, 2020One of our favorite hikes we’ve done near Crested Butte! With three lakes it was always fun to see what was coming up next! It was easy at times and some parts gets your heart rate up a little a good mix. Beautiful routes thru the aspen trees for most all of the way thru. Highly Reccommend!
August 17, 2020August 17, 2020Absolutely awesome hike! Very few folks out on a Sunday. Trail was well kept and not difficult to complete. The views are well worth a short 3.5 miles. Would recommend this hike to anyone!
August 10, 2020Fantastic hike followed by paddleboarding. Doesn't get any better than that. Saw a bear cub on the upper ridge above Lost Lake. I highly recommend this hike. Wildflowers, waterfall, lakes, shade, and not too crowded on a Monday at 8 am. Only saw two other hikers.
August 4, 2020Three amazing alpine lakes, wildflowers, waterfall, dappled forest, tremendous views, and just enough rigor for a challenge. Actually it was pretty easy. We were passing by on our way to Aspen and wanted a short hike. This fit the bill; we took our time and completed the trail in under 2 hours. Go clockwise for moderate elevation gain and less knee pounding.
August 3, 2020Amazing views, great wildflowers, the hike was just challenging enough enjoy and feel accomplished. Several streams and good shade through most of the trail.
July 31, 2020Gorgeous views and gentle terrain. Our 4 kids, ages 10 to 17 managed just fine. If you decide to climb up to the waterfall, make sure you have good hiking shoes, as basic tennis shoes will make the steep and loose gravel descent hard. Our two pups had a ball playing in the lakes. Smart to download the map before you arrive as you’ll have no cell service. We hope to come back and camp next time. Wonderful hike and worth the drive up.
July 24, 2020Amazing trail awesome views at lakes and along the hike highly recommend going around lost lake and climbing up the waterfall to the second fall.
