920 Feet
(280.4 Meters)
Petroleum Lake; 600' Anderson Lake
Ending Elevation:
12,120 Feet
(3694.2 Meters)
Petroleum Lake;11,800 Anderson Lake
Length, One-way:
1.8 Miles
(2.9 Kilometers)
Petroleum Lake, 1.2 miles Anderson Lake
Other Maps:
Trails Illustrated 127 Aspen, Independence Pass
Usage:
Moderate
USGS Maps:
Independence Pass, New York Pass
Satellite and Topo Map
General Description
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. The waters of Anderson Lake are a beautiful turquoise blue
while Petroleum Lake's are dark giving the lake it's name.
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.)
.
Current Conditions & Trip Reports
Winter Conditions. Beware of avalanche danger and hypothermia. Updated: 2002-12-23 14:37:00.0
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Recreation Opportunities
Activity
Remarks
On Site
History
Townsite of Ruby - further one mile south on Lincoln Creek Road
No
Cold Water Fishing
Anderson & Petroleum Lakes Trail
Yes
Hiking & Walking
Anderson & Petroleum Lakes Trail
Yes
Horseback Riding
Anderson & Petroleum Lakes Trail
Yes
Mountain Biking
Anderson & Petroleum Lakes Trail
Yes
Related Activities
Lincoln Creek Road, #106 - There is access to many activities along the first six miles of the road. The section of road from Grizzly Reservoir to the ghost town of Ruby is much less traveled and suitable only for hiking, mountain biking and 4 WD.
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.
Winter Conditions. Beware of avalanche danger and hypothermia. Updated: 2002-12-23 14:37:00.0
Add your own trip Report!
