La Poudre Pass Lake - 10 Things to Know Before Visiting

Lake/ River/ Ponds

About La Poudre Pass Lake

La Poudre Pass Lake is a stunning mountain lake located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. La Poudre Pass Lake is situated at an elevation of 11,000 feet, (over 3,100 meters) making it one of the highest lakes in Colorado. The lake is small, fed by small streams and springs, and it is located in the high mountain La Poudre Pass.

Things to Do at La Poudre Pass Lake

La Poudre Pass Lake is a beautiful spot for a day hike or a overnight camping trip. The area is popular for hiking, camping, and fishing, and the lake itself is known for its clear waters and scenic views.

La Poudre Pass Lake is a beautiful spot for a summer getaway. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, the lake is surrounded by towering peaks and pristine forests. 

One of the most popular activities at the lake is hiking. There are dozens of trails of varying difficulty, so there's something for every level of hiker. For those looking for a challenge, there are many peaks looming nearby, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Or, if you're simply looking for a peaceful stroll, there are plenty of gentle trails that wind through the forest.

The area around the lake is also popular for wildlife watching, as there are often deer and elk grazing in the meadows.

Activities Around

History of La Poudre Pass Lake

La Poudre Pass Lake is part of the headwaters of Colorado River. The water passing through the lake and the surrounding streams later becoms the mighty colorado rives that provides water for most of the southwest part of the United States.

Best Time to Visit La Poudre Pass Lake

There are many things to consider when deciding when to visit La Poudre Pass Lake in Colorado. The weather is one important factor, as the lake is located in a high mountain pass and can be subject to extreme conditions. Late spring or early summer is usually the best time to visit, as the weather is typically milder and there is less chance of snow or other bad weather. 

Another thing to consider is the level of the lake. La Poudre Pass Lake is fed by melting snow, so the water level can vary greatly depending on when you visit. Late summer and fall tend to be the best times to visit in terms of water levels, as the snow has had all summer to melt and fill up the lake. However, this also means that there will likely be more people visiting at this time as well.

Tips for Visiting La Poudre Pass Lake

  1. The altitude can be a challenge for some people, so be sure to acclimatize before your hike. 
  2. Check the weather before you go - La Poudre Pass Lake is located in a high mountain pass, and severe weather can roll in quickly. Be sure to check the forecast and pack accordingly.

Interesting Facts and Trivias About La Poudre Pass Lake

  1. The lake often looks like a swamp than a lake, depending on the season.
  2. The lake is named after the nearby La Poudre Pass, which was used by early settlers as a route through the Rocky Mountains.
  3. The lake is surrounded by alpine meadows, providing stunning views in all directions.

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at La Poudre Pass Lake

The average time to spend at the La Poudre Pass Lake is about three hours. However, visitors can easily spend much longer if they want to explore the area more. There are many trails that wind around the lake, and there are also several opportunities for fishing and picnicking. 

How to Reach La Poudre Pass Lake

From Boulder or Fort Collins, Colorado, drive to Corral Creek Trailhead. From Corral Creek Trailhead, it is a 7.7 kilometer hike to reach La Poudre Pass Lake. The lake sits in the trail of La Poudre Pass hike.

Entrance Fee of La Poudre Pass Lake

There is no entrance fee for La Poudre Pass Lake.

Opening Hours of La Poudre Pass Lake

The La Poudre Pass Lake is open daily 24 hours.

Attractions Near La Poudre Pass Lake

Nokhu Crags

Nokhu Crags

5.82km from La Poudre Pass Lake

Nokhu Crags is an interesting outcropping of craggy spires located on the northern end of the Never Summer Mountain Range in northern Colorado.The rocks of the peak were formed as a sedimentary deposit millions of years ago in an ancient ocean basin. Today the mountain is a barren, almost treeless form, virtually devoid of vegetation. During the day, pika and mountain goats may be seen and heard on the steep slopes.

Mount Richthofen

Mount Richthofen

5.88km from La Poudre Pass Lake

Mount Richthofen is the highest summit of the Never Summer Mountains range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. Today, the mountain is typically climbed from Lake Agnes to the north, easily reachable from Cameron Pass. The mountain is a steep Class 3 climb that often requires travel on steep scree slopes that are not very stable. The mountain was named in honor of pioneering German geologist Baron Ferdinand von Richthofen, apparently by Clarence King's 1870 survey team.

Lake Irene

Lake Irene

6.87km from La Poudre Pass Lake

Lake Irene is a small picturesque subalpine lake with an easy 1.0 mile loop trail with little elevation change around its banks. It is one of the beautiful picnic location and also there are trekking ways and fishing is possible here.

Alpine Visitor Center

Alpine Visitor Center

7.04km from La Poudre Pass Lake

Alpine Visitor Center is located in the Rocky Mountain National Park, sitting at an elevation of 11,796 feet, it is the highest visitor center in the US National Park system. The center offers stunning views of the Rockies and features exhibits on the park's wildlife, geology, and history. Visitors can also take ranger-led hikes and learn about the park's land management practices.

Mount Mahler

Mount Mahler

7.04km from La Poudre Pass Lake

Mount Mahler is a mountain in the Never Summer Mountains in United States. Mahler's east ridge provides a challenging class 4 route over steep and sometimes loose terrain. Mahler's north face provides a relatively easy and monotonous class 2 slog up a long talus slope. Climbing Point 11,960 along with Mount Mahler would make an excellent loop hike. To do this, descend Mount Mahler to the west down the ridge.

Lake of the Clouds

Lake of the Clouds

7.19km from La Poudre Pass Lake

A beautiful lake located in the heart of Grand county and is nestled high in the 58,000 acres of the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Take in the view of Lake of the Clouds, hundreds of feet below. Hikers seeking longer adventures will find over 80 miles of marked hiking trails provide enchanting scenery at every bend. You can have cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing and swimming and so more.

Discover More Attractions in Grand County, Home of La Poudre Pass Lake

Grand County

Grand County

63 attractions

Grand County is a county located in the U.S. state of Colorado, which is home to a wonderful blend of valleys, lakes and peaks. Although Winter Park is the most known, Granby is actually the largest town. The county seat is Hot Sulphur Springs.

Location of La Poudre Pass Lake

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