Thunder Lake, Rocky Mts.CO

Thunder Lake Trail- 6.8 total, Out and Back. Located near Allenspark in the Wild Basin.

Intermediate Hike. Heavily Trafficked until Ouzel Falls. Park pass or entrance fee is required.

This was a great introductory hike to Colorado hiking. Being from the Northeast and not having too many rapids, it was stunning seeing white water and multiple waterfalls. The trail is groomed very well (by Northeast standards). Not a whole lot of boulders and loose gravel on the trail. There was only a slight gradual incline throughout the hike. Back- country campsites are available if desired.

You begin at the Wild Basin trailhead at the back left corner of the ranger station parking lot. Within the first two miles you will come upon both Copeland Falls and Ouzel Falls. The Falls are gorgeous and definitely a staple of the hike (also a peaceful place for lunch when it isn't crowded). If you decide to continue on you will reach a junction at about mile 3. Follow along the trail to Thunder Lake (when we did it was the left hand trail). From the junction it is about two miles to the lake.

P.S. be prepared to hike in snow. Even in mid-July we were hiking in a couple inches of snow/ice. --Eric