STATE:

ACTIVITY:

Divide Ranger District

Quick Facts

Heart Lake Trail

Beginning Elevation:	10,400 Feet (3241.9 Meters)
Difficulty:	Moderate
Elevation Gain:	1,200 Feet (374.1 Meters)
Ending Elevation:	11,600 Feet (3616.0 Meters)
Length, One-way:	1.0 Miles (1.67 Kilometers)
Trail Number:	823
Usage:	Light to Moderate
USGS Maps:	Finger Mesa

Outfitters and Guides

		Satellite and Topo Map

General Description

Beautiful scenery and good fishing can be experienced at Heart Lake. Excellent camping areas are available at the lake. A variety of wildflowers can be viewed along the trail. Good views of Fingers Mesa and Pole Mountain. The trail is a steady and at times, a hardy climb. The trail travels through a few small open parks but primarily stays in mixed aspen and spruce/fir stands.

Directions from Creede, Colorado: Travel south on Colorado Highway 149 for 20.1 miles to Forest Development Road # 520 (Rio Grande Reservoir/Upper Rio Grande Road). Go approximately 16.5 miles on Forest Road 520 to the Lost Trail Creek Trailhead. From Lost Trail Creek Trailhead, hike approximately 3.5 miles up Lost Trail Creek Trail (# 821). The Heart Lake Trail junction is signed.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Open: July through September .

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

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Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Backpacking	Excellent camping areas	Yes
	Cold Water Fishing	Good fishing in the lake	Yes
	Hiking & Walking	Heart Lake Trail	Yes
	Horseback Riding	A hardy climb at times	Yes
	Mountain Biking	The trail is a steady	Yes
	Viewing Scenery	Wildflowers; Fingers Mesa; Pole Mountain	Yes

Related Activities

Lost Trail Campground - The campground is located 38.2 miles southwest of Creede on Forest Road 520. There are numerous attractions to tempt the camper.

Lost Trail Creek - Excellent views and good fishing are both possible along this trail. Evidence of recent and historic mining activity is visible near Carson Pass on the Continental Divide.

More Information

Visitor Information:

Rio Grande National Forest, 1803 West Highway 160 , Monte Vista, CO, 81144, Phone: 719-852-5941, Fax: 719-852-6250, TTY: 719-852-6271

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