wildernet

Blanco Ranger District

Quick Facts

Mirror Lake Trail

Beginning Elevation:	8,593 Feet (2678.6 Meters)
Difficulty:	More Difficult
Elevation Gain:	1,507 Feet (469.8 Meters)
Ending Elevation:	10,100 Feet (3148.4 Meters)
Length:	3.5 Miles (5.83 Kilometers)
Trail Number:	1,821
Usage:	Heavy

		Satellite and Topo Map

General Description

The Mirror Lake Trailhead is located along the Trappers Lake Road. Leaving the parking area, you cross a 3/4 mile strip of private land along the White River. The grass and sagebrush give way to aspen and lodgepole pine as you leave the river bottom. Shortly after you start into the timber, you enter the National Forest and the Flat Tops Wilderness. The trees change from aspen and lodgepole to Engelmann spruce and alpine fir as you gain elevation. The trail follows Mirror Creek for 2 1/2 miles until you reach Shamrock Lake. One quarter of a mile above Shamrock Lake the Big Ridge Trail climbs to the west onto Big Ridge. Mirror Lake is 3/4 mile further up the Mirror Lake Trail.

Directions from Meeker: Mirror Lake Trail is located 41 miles east of Meeker. Take State Highway 13 east out of Meeker for one mile; turn right on County Road 8 for 39 miles to the Trappers Lake Road turn right for 1/2 mile to the Mirror Lake Trailhead access road; follow the road 1/4 mile to the trailhead.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible: May through November (NOTE: Always open. Beware of severe Winter conditions.) .

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

Open Updated: 2000-07-05 18:07:00.0

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Filed By: Bob C (galean, oh)
Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl
Recommend to a Friend: Highly
Report: It was a tough walk and part horse ride hauling gear up to Mirror Lake. Take plenty of water. There are a few places near streams where water flows. The Lake view makes the trip worthwhile. It was beautiful.

Filed By: Leslie Connelly (Thornton, CO)
Number of People Encountered: 11-25 ppl
Recommend to a Friend: Highly
Report: We rode horseback. I think if we had hiked, we would not have made it (we're out of shape and had Grandma with us). It's probably a difficult hike. It is beautiful. In July, lots of wild flowers. Our guide saw racoon tracks. Our guide had also seen fawns, though we did't see any. There is a small bridge to cross over the creek. I think half of the hike is next to a creek.

Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Backpacking		Yes
	Cold Water Fishing	Mirror Lake and Shamrock Lake provide fishing for Brook Trout.
	Hiking & Walking	Mirror Lake Trail	Yes
	Horseback Riding		Yes

Related Activities

Big Ridge Trail - This trail begins near the mouth of Marvine Creek and climbs along Big Ridge to views of the surrounding mountains and valleys past several lakes and through a variety of ecosystems.

Himes Peak Campground - The Himes Peak Campground is located 47 miles east of Meeker, along the North Fork of the White River, at an elevation of 9,500 feet.

Mirror Lake - Mirror Lake offers Brook Trout fishing.

North Fork Campground - North Fork Campground is located 35 miles east of Meeker close to the North Fork of the White River, at an elevation of 8,000 feet. In addition to single sites, the campground has a group site for up to 50 people.