The Trail follows an old jeep road that is now closed to motorized vehicles. The trail follows Anderson Creek passing through fir forests then tundra. In about one mile the trail forks. Take the left fork to reach Anderson Lake in another 1/4 mile. Take the right fork to reach Petroleum Lake in another 3/4 mile. Stay on the steep trail to the right of the outlet stream of Petroleum Lake to reach the lake.

Directions from Aspen: Drive ten miles east of Aspen on Highway 82 to Lincoln Creek Road. Turn right and drive 6 1/2 miles on Lincoln Creek Road to Portal Campground. From Portal Campground the road becomes very rough and a high clearance four-wheel drive is required. Either drive or hike the remaining 3 1/3 miles to a fork in the road. Take the right fork, cross the creek and park on the other side. Camping near the lakes is not recommended because of limited campsites and the fragile alpine vegetation. There is good fishing at both lakes.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible: May through September (NOTE: Snow may obstruct the trail during the Early Summer months.) .

Portal Campground - Portal Family Campground is located east of Aspen on Lincoln Creek Road. Campers can access some wonderful day hikes from this location as well as terrain for motorcycle riding, mountain biking, ATV riding and horseback riding.