Top 6 Lakes in Eagles Nest Wilderness
Best lakes in Eagles Nest Wilderness are found within Colorado's Gore Range, an area spanning over 133,000 acres. This wilderness features jagged peaks, deep valleys, and dense forests, with trails often leading to alpine lakes. The region is known for its rugged terrain and diverse wildlife, including mountain goats and elk. It offers numerous opportunities for wilderness experiences and exploration of natural landscapes.
Best lakes in Eagles Nest Wilderness
- The most popular lakes is Lily Pad Lake, a lake that is tucked away in a meadow and experiences less traffic than other lake trails. Swimming is possible when warm enough.
- Another must-see spot is Lower Cataract Lake, a small body of water offering an easy, short walk from the car to its edge. A trail circumnavigates the entire lake, providing a spot to experience nature away from large crowds.
- Visitors also love Boulder Lake, a quiet, alpine lake with the mountains of the Gore Range as a backdrop. It is a less-populated alpine lake destination, located about 3 miles north of the Rock Creek trailhead.
- Eagles Nest Wilderness is known for its alpine lakes, including those accessible via family-friendly trails and more challenging backcountry destinations. The area offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from small meadow lakes to those nestled beneath high ridges.
- The lakes in Eagles Nest Wilderness are appreciated by the komoot community, with 6 highlights receiving upvotes and 9 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Lily Pad Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Lower Cataract Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Boulder Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Lilly Pad Trail
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
Eaglesmere Lakes
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Went in end on September and lilly pads had all closed up already but still had beautiful colors on the hike to the pond. Good beginner/intermediate hike with good chance of passing others on the trail.
0
0
An easy hike to get used to the altitude. Almost all the elevation gain is right at the beginning. The majority of the trail is easily managed but there are a few short sections that are rocky, no more than 20’ long. Suitable for all ages
0
0
Only open to hikers, runners, and horseback riders, the Boulder Lake Trail in the Eagles Nest Wilderness takes you to a quiet, alpine lake with the mountains of the Gore Range as a backdrop. This is a beautiful running destination, but it is not popular. If you are looking for a less-populated alpine lake trail, this is a good place to start.
0
0
A small alpine lake in a meadow, Lily Pad Lake is tucked away in the Eagles Nest Wilderness and sees much less traffic than the lake trails in downtown Silverthorne and Frisco. This lake can be accessed via several different wilderness trails. When it's warm enough outside, you can actually swim in the lake, so dress appropriately!
0
0
The Eaglesmere Lakes are a collection of three lakes around 10,400 feet off the side of the Gore Range Trail. The lakes are tucked in the forest and really surprise you once you finally run up on them. These are a ways from the trailhead, so you're likely to get a lot of solitude as you run through meadows of flowers and forests of different trees.
0
0
Lower Cataract Lake is a small body of water in the Eagle’s Nest Wilderness. It's a really short jog from the car to the edge of the water, but you can also run on a trail that goes around the entire lake. Far away from any big cities, this is a great spot to experience nature without a lot of crowds.
0
0
The Eaglesmere Lakes are a collection of three lakes around 10,400 feet off the side of the Gore Range Trail. The lakes are tucked in the forest and really surprise you once you finally walk up on them. These are a ways from the trailhead, so you're likely to get a lot of solitude as you walk through meadows of flowers and forests of different trees.
0
0
Lower Cataract Lake is a small body of water in the Eagle’s Nest Wilderness. It's a really short walk from the car to the edge of the water, but you can also hike on a trail that goes around the entire lake. Far away from any big cities, this is a great spot to experience nature without a lot of crowds.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes in Eagles Nest Wilderness are suitable for families or beginners?
For an easy and family-friendly experience, Lower Cataract Lake is an excellent choice. It offers a short, easy walk from the car to the water's edge, with a trail that circumnavigates the entire lake. The Lily Pad Lake Trail is also considered easy and suitable for all ages, with most elevation gain at the beginning.
Are there lakes in Eagles Nest Wilderness where I can swim?
Yes, when the weather is warm enough, swimming is possible at Lily Pad Lake. It's a small alpine lake nestled in a meadow, offering a refreshing dip after a hike.
What are some less crowded lake destinations in Eagles Nest Wilderness?
If you're seeking solitude, Lily Pad Lake experiences less traffic compared to other lake trails closer to Silverthorne and Frisco. Boulder Lake is also known as a less-populated alpine lake destination. Additionally, the Eaglesmere Lakes offer a sense of solitude due to their distance from the trailhead.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see near the lakes?
The Eagles Nest Wilderness is home to diverse wildlife. You might spot mountain goats, black bears, mountain lions, and elk. Lakes like Lily Pad Lake offer opportunities for wildlife viewing along their trails.
Are there opportunities for backcountry camping near the lakes?
Yes, backcountry camping is permitted in the Eagles Nest Wilderness. For example, dispersed camping sites are available near Boulder Creek, which is close to Boulder Lake. Backcountry camping is also permitted on the shore of Eaglesmere Lake, though campfires are not allowed there.
What are some challenging lake hikes for experienced backpackers?
For more adventurous backpackers, Dora Lake is considered off the beaten path, often requiring bushwhacking and significant elevation gain due to the lack of a defined trail. The journey to Willow Lakes, including Upper Willow Lake, can also be strenuous, involving significant mileage and elevation gain.
What is the best time to visit the lakes in Eagles Nest Wilderness?
Mid-summer is often ideal for visiting the alpine lakes, as trails are typically clear of snow, and wildflowers like monkshood, larkspur, and Indian paintbrush are abundant, especially around lakes like Gore Lake.
What are some notable natural features around the lakes?
The region is characterized by jagged peaks, deep valleys, and dense forests. Many trails lead to 'radiant gems of alpine lakes.' You can see the crest of Keller Mountain dominating the background of Boulder Lake, and the reflection of Mount Powell in Eaglesmere Lake is a magnificent sight. The Gore Range itself provides a stunning backdrop to many of these lakes.
Are there any loop trails around the lakes?
Yes, the Lower Cataract Lake Loop is an easy, family-friendly hike that circumnavigates the entire lake, offering views of Cataract Falls.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes in Eagles Nest Wilderness?
Beyond hiking to the lakes, the region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, mountain biking trails, and waterfall hikes throughout the Eagles Nest Wilderness.
Which lakes offer particularly scenic views or reflections?
Many lakes offer stunning views. Boulder Lake provides a quiet alpine setting with the Gore Range mountains as a backdrop. Lower Boulder Lake is described as a 'glistening reflection pool' with Keller Mountain. The reflection of Mount Powell in Eaglesmere Lake is also noted as particularly magnificent.
How long does it take to hike to some of the lakes?
Hike durations vary significantly. The Lily Pad Lake Trail is a relatively easy 3.4-mile hike. The hike to Eaglesmere Lakes involves about five hours of hiking and nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain, making it an intermediate hike. Gore Lake is a popular backpacking destination, typically involving about 12 miles round-trip with 3,000 feet of elevation gain.
Most popular routes in Eagles Nest Wilderness
Most popular attractions in Eagles Nest Wilderness
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake in Eagles Nest Wilderness? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
