HOTW: Lost Lake

I've had a boat load of recommendations coming to me lately for this trail, so Renni and I gave it a go. I honestly had big plans of waking up early, getting on the road and making it to the trailhead by sunrise, but a late night last minute invite to a party with an open bar really stunted that early morning wake up call, so Renni and I rolled out around 9 from Denver putting us at the trailhead just around 11:30. **From hearing how popular this hike has been lately and seeing how small the parking lot is, if you do plan to do this hike I highly recommend going on a week day or making sure you get there early because we did had to park down the road a ways and make the walk up to the trailhead from there.

This hike was lovely. Starting out with a walk through a woodland trail where you follow wooden planks so the trail doesn't get to muddy, then opening up to a field and finally your incline which gives great views of the valley while wildflowers are sprinkled about all along the way. Half way through is a peaceful spot for resting or a snack next to a roaring waterfall, which then you follow the creek it's fueled from for practically the rest of the entire hike. It's definitely a scramble, which isn't too forgiving on the ankles, so make sure y'all wear some good supportive shoes or really just take your time on this one. We also saw a moose on our way back so make sure to read up on what to do and not to do around moose, bears and other wildlife to know how to react if you come across them in their natural habitat.

A steep final incline takes you to the top of Lost Lake, where there's 8 spots for backpacking, if you're like me and into that kinda thing. Honestly, I would definitely recommend this hike for beginning backpackers who want a great view but don't want to do a crazy hike to start off their backpacking journey. There's 6 spots to the left of the lake and 2 on the right (left had the best view in my opinion). Spots are all first come, first serve and there's no permit required. More information on backpacking Lost Lake available here.

Hike of the weeeeeeeeeeeek:

• Lost Lake

• 4 miles RT

• 830 ft. in elevation gain

• Rated as Moderate

• 1.5 hours from Denver

Don't Forgets! (:

Always remember to practice Leave No Trace when backpacking or hiking/being out in nature in general. Well love our wilderness and want to keep in wild. Bear canisters are also required for this trek and I would definitely bring a rain jacket and bug spray. Lakes are beautiful and mosquitos tend to think so as well.