- Timber Lake Trail is a 4.8-mile trail to a lake
- Average time of your hike will be 3.5 hours one-way
- A moderate to strenuous hike with an elevation gain of 2,050 feet
- Trailhead is 30.2 miles west of Beaver Meadows Entrance
- Spot moose, elk and more wildlife on your trek
Overview
The Timber Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park gives the hiker the chance to move through the gorgeous landscapes of this amazing park. You’ll spot elk and moose, enjoy some great fishing, and do some backcountry camping if you so desire.
This picturesque trail takes you to several remote lakes, past rich alpine meadows, through beautiful forests and over open rocky areas. Wildflowers bloom in abundance. You can catch some Colorado cutthroat in Timber Lake.
Trailhead
To get to the Timber Lake Trailhead, you drive 30.2 miles west of the Beaver Meadows Entrance. If coming from the Grand Lake Entrance Station, you go 9.5 miles north on US Highway 34. The trailhead is located on the east side of Trail Ridge Road.
Details
- Distance – 4.8 miles
- Average Time of Hike – 3.5 hours
- Elevation Gain – 2,050 feet
- Difficulty – Moderate to strenuous
- Trail Type – One-way
Plan & Prepare
The Trail Ridge Road (or Highway 34) is usually only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, so you will take this hike between these dates. Be aware there is often snow at these elevations as late as June.
In the summer, thunderstorms occur in the afternoons, so to avoid getting caught in the rain (with lightning a danger), be sure to start your hike early so you can get back to the trailhead by early afternoon.
