Lamphier Lakes lie high in an alpine valley of the Fossil Ridge Wilderness area. They can be accessed from the Gold Creek Trailhead by hiking north on South Lottis Trail. Travel a mile and a quarter north from the trailhead to a short spur trail that leads from South Lottis Trail to the right. This is the trail to Lower Lamphier Lake. It is approximately one half mile and steep. To reach Upper Lamphier Lake continue hiking another mile north from the Lower Lamphier spur trail. South Lottis Trail leads past the upper lake. Lower Lamphier Lake lies at an elevation of 11,230 feet. The upper lake lies at approximately 11,720 feet. Because of the high elevation of these lakes, fishing success varies from day to day. The upper lake contains only native (cutthroat) trout while the lower also has some rainbow.
Directions from Gunnison: Take Highway 50 east to Parlin. Turn left at Parlin, on to State Road 76, and drive eight miles to Ohio City. Turn left in Ohio City, on to Gold Creek Road, toward Comanche and Gold Creek campgrounds. Travel a short distance past Gold Creek campground, across Lamphier Creek to the trailhead. Follow the South Lottus Trail to Lamphier Lakes.
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