wildernet

Backpacking: Colorado

Quick Facts

Boulder Lake

Elevation:	11,470 Feet (3575.4 Meters)
Other Maps:	Trails Illustrated 132 Gunnison, Pitkin
Recommended Season:	Late Summer

Outfitters and Guides

General Description

Boulder Lake lies immediately south of the Fossil Ridge Wilderness boundary. Access to the lake can be gained from the Gold Creek Trailhead via Fossil Ridge Trail. The Boulder Lake Trail is a spur the follows Boulder Gulch northward from Fossil Ridge Trail. The trail spur is approximately a half mile with a few switchbacks.

The high elevation of this lake, approximately 11,470 feet, indicates its fishing season is usually short. Fishing is usually good, because only Brook trout are found in the lake. The average length eight to ten inches and there appears to be a good population.

Directions from Gunnison: Follow Highway 50 east to Parlin. Turn left at Parlin and go about eight miles to Ohio City. Turn left in Ohio City towards Comanche and Gold Creek Campgrounds. Across the main road from Gold Creek Campground is the trailhead.

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

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Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Backpacking	Boulder Lake	Yes
	Cold Water Fishing	Boulder Lake	Yes
	Hiking & Walking	Fossil Ridge Trail, Boulder Lake Trail	No
	Horseback Riding	Fossil Ridge Trail, Boulder Lake Trail	No
	Animal Identification	Boulder Lake	Yes
	Bird Identification	Boulder Lake	Yes
	Plant Identification	Boulder Lake	Yes
	Wildflower Identification	Fossil Ridge Trail, Boulder Lake Trail	Yes
	Lakes & Reservoirs	Boulder Lake	Yes
	Mountain Biking	Fossil Ridge Trail	No
	Viewing Scenery	Boulder Lake	Yes

Related Activities

Gold Creek Campground - Gold Creek Campground provides access to fishing, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding and mountain biking. It's a great site to experience the natural beauty of the central Rocky Mountains.

Gold Creek Trail #427 - Gold Creek Trail connects Union Park Road and Gold Creek Campground. It leads through the eastern side of the Fossil Ridge Wilderness area.

Mill Lake #532 - This trail offers an easy day hike to Mill Lake.

South Lottis Trail - South Lottis Trail extends north and south, through the Fossil Ridge Wilderness, for ten and a half miles. It leads from the South Lottis Trailhead to the Gold Creek Trailhead.