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Lake Agnes Colorado

The Lake Agnes hike in Colorado is easy and provides an INCREDIBLE payoff. There are endless miles of exploring and mountaineering.

Lake Agnes in Colorado
Lake Agnes in Colorado

Short, easy hike… best payoff. I’ve been several times but ALWAYS during the middle of the week. Traffic is low, people are happy, challenge is LOW. However, you can up the challenge if that’s what you’re in to. The lake’s elevation honors satan at 10,666′

Located in State Forest State Park in Colorado, this .8 mile (hats of to Eminem) to the payoff (perfect mountain lake) is not difficult for an average hiker. It’s easy BUT there are a ton of directions you can head when you hit the lake, the supply of adrenalin up past the lake is stocked. It’s… how you say? good. You can easily spend days in this area with a multitude of different experiences. I like it. A lot.

How to get Lake Agnes in Colorado

Coming from Fort Collins – You’ll take HWY 14 for around 60 miles… when you get to Cameron Pass you’re almost there! Let me just tell you about winter time at Cameron Pass. It’s gets a Trip Advisor score of: Go, it’s awesome.

Cameron Pass Hwy 14
Approaching Cameron Pass in Colorado

Keep a lookout for Moose. They’re common and they’re just dying to make eye contact with you. Look to the left after you see this sign. About 1 out of every 2 times… I see Dr. Moose. No kidding. If you grunt loud enough, he’ll honor you with his locking of the eyes with yours. A little creepy.

Entering State Forest State Park
Entering State Forest State Park
Moose in State Forest State Park Colorado
Moose are VERY common in State Forest State Park Colorado

A couple miles past the pass… you’ll be turning left on to a dirt road.

Entering Paid Area in Colorado
Fee Area
State Forest State Park SIgns
Oh… more signs… look at all these beautiful signs

You’re on a dirt road now… at the bridge – if you’re in a camper, park here (you’ve got a long way to walk – or a fun, short(ish) ride, if you’re cool). If you have Colorado’s state car, a Subaru, you’ll be at home. The clearance past the bridge will allow just about any car BUT if you’ve never gone off road, this will be your first kinda “off road” adventure. It’s not dangerous, you don’t NEED 4 wheel drive BUT it’s not a regular gravel road.

Lake Agnes Trailhead
More signs… more rules.

If you’re a frequent urinator, there is a bathroom.

Starting the hike to Lake Agnes
And just like that… greeted with amazing views.

The trail is about as perfect as you can get. Steps, stairs, and no passing streams (no mud in July). There is about a 400ft elevation gain which basically just means, it’s going to feel a lot faster coming back to your car.

Mountain Wild Flowers in Colorado
Mountain Wild Flowers in Colorado
Trail Signage
Oh hey, another sign

The big payoff… the view when you get to the lake. It’s incredible.

Lake Agnes in Colorado
Lake Agnes in Colorado

This lake has fish. A lot of fish. I mean… depending on the day and where you are, there are so many minnows schooling that you can’t see the bottom. Limit 2.

Cutthroat Trout in Lake Agnes Colorado
Cutthroat Trout in Lake Agnes Colorado

Okay, if you’re unnecessarily sensitive… keep scrolling past my son’s amazing catch.

Little backstory. This kid catches everything. I don’t know how he does it. Mice, lizards, minnows, Cutthroat trout! “Hey dad, I’m going to catch one” uh… okay, son. (no pole)

And he did.

Pole fishing
“Pole fishing”
Caught a Fish
Nailed it.
Boy with Fish in Colorado
Nice

After his catch, we tried catch and release. The fish was dead.

We took it home and ate it that night!

Move Around the Lake

There’s wildlife and amazing country to explore. Go get it!

Exploring Lake Agnes
Exploring Lake Agnes
Mountain Flowers
More Mountain Flowers
Stocked Fish Lake Agnes
SO MANY FISH!
Mountain to Explore
Limitless Exploration

The Amazing Lake Agnes in Colorado

This little slice of heaven is actually REALLY close to RMNP but here’s the thing, the entrance to the park is VERY far away. Here, you don’t get national park traffic. This location isn’t super close to much (other than the amazing town of Walden). Getting there is beautiful no matter the direction and if you get lucky and are there by yourself, it feels like you’re a million miles away from everything.

Little disclaimer: if you read this and think “dude, why are you spoiling the good spots by letting people know?” I need you to understand one thing: you are a jerk.

Lake Agnes Colorado Facts:

  • Middle of summer: gets buggy (Colorado standards)
  • Lots of epic exploring past the lake
  • Great for kids
  • Dogs are allowed on leash
  • Fishing is allowed
  • There’s a potty at the trailhead
  • Relatively small parking lot
  • Elevation over 10,000ft (out-of-towners, flat landers – you might feel ill)
  • Likely will see hard-pack snow year round
  • Weather will change FAST here (be prepared)

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Explore Lake Agnes in Colorado

Arnold

Wednesday 7th of December 2022

Wow! Amazing pole fishing!

Kara

Wednesday 8th of June 2022

thanks for the details, visiting from TN and will be heading up there this weekend. YAY

Rob Benson

Thursday 9th of June 2022

Have a great time!

G ene Hintz

Saturday 22nd of January 2022

I live in Colorado, I've been there about 6 times, I love it. I'm going to take my grand daughter there this summer.