Happy Hiking: Watanga Lake

  • Watanga Lake
  • Distance:  7.9 miles
  • Type: Hard, out-and-back
  • Elevation Gain: 2,522 ft
  • Other: Dogs Allowed
  • All Trails Link

Watanga Lake is located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness of Arapaho National Forest.  It is named for a Southern Arapaho Chief who lived in the late 1800’s.

I tried hiking to Watanga Lake a year ago in June and there was too much snow to even get to the trail junction.  This year, I waited until late July and hiked the Roaring Fork Trail to the lake with my friend Tina.  This was our third and final hike while visiting Grand Lake.

HAPPY HIKING!
Tina and I at Bowen lake

Happy Hiking: Bowen Lake

  • Bowen Lake
  • Distance:  9.3 miles
  • Type: Moderate, out-and-back
  • Elevation Gain: 1,906 ft
  • Other: Dogs Allowed
  • AllTrails Link

How to Get to Bowen Lake

Bowen Lake may be reached from two different trailheads.  One trailhead is located in Rocky Mountain National Park and the hike is 16.2 miles.  The other trailhead is located in Arapaho National Forest off of County Highway 455.  The distance from this location to the lake is a more reasonable 9.3 miles.

HAPPY HIKING!
tina on mount ida

Roadtrip to the Rockies: Mount Ida

  • Mount Ida
  • Distance:  9.6 miles
  • Type: Moderate, out-and-back
  • Elevation Gain: 2.388 ft
  • Other: Fee Required, No Dogs Allowed
  • All Trails Link

Where to Stay

While I generally travel a lot, in the summer I stick to Colorado for the amazing hiking.  As a result, I planned a few days of hiking near Grand Lake and in Rocky Mountain National Park with my friend Tina who drove in from New Mexico. Miraculously, we secured a cabin last minute at the historic Grand Lake Lodge which was perfect.

HAPPY HIKING!