Lost Lake Backcountry Campsite, with four individual sites, sits in a spruce and fir forest on the east side of Lost Lake in northern Rocky Mountain National Park. The lake lies at the base of a glacier-carved cirque, at 10,710 feet, floored with seven other lakes. Hagues Peak, the 13,560-foot high point of the Mummy Range, rises at the head of the cirque. The 19.4-mile, out-and-back hike to Lost Lake is worth the effort with the reward being one of the park’s best mountain views, especially at sunrise. Two sites are on the northeast side of the lake and the other two are on the southeast. The campsite has two privys. The site is reached by hiking the 9.7 miles on North Fork Trail, gaining 2,750 feet from car to camp. Allow up to 10 hours to hike there. Fresh water is available at both the outlet and inlet streams to Lost Lake. Treat or boil all water before use. The campsite is usually snow-free by the first week of July.
Pro Tips
Find Lost Lake Campsite from Estes Park by driving northeast for 7.5 miles on MacGregor Avenue/Devils Gulch Road to Glen Haven Post Office. Continue on Devils Gulch Road for another 1.7 miles to Dunraven Glade Road and turn west. Follow Dunraven Gulch Road for 2.2 miles to the Dunraven Trailhead. Do not drive or park on the road past the trailhead since its private property. Hike west on North Fork Trail for 9.7 miles to Lost Lake.A backcountry permit is required for all overnight camping in Rocky Mountain National Park’s backcountry. Get permits at the Park Headquarters Backcountry Office next to Beaver Meadows Visitor Center west of Estes Park, at Kawuneeche Visitor Center north of Grand Lake, or at the park website.You agree to obey National Park regulations for backcountry camping when you get a Backcountry Use Permit. The permit must be with you at all times and a tent tag must be displayed on your pack while hiking and on your tent. You must follow your planned itinerary so campsites aren’t overused or crowded. You also receive a tag to place on the dashboard of your vehicle, allowing overnight parking at trailheads without being towed.Practice a Leave No Trace ethic when camping at Lost Lake. Pitch tents in designated areas near a silver arrowhead. Secure food and garbage. Store food in a bear-resistant canister, which is required from May to October at all campsites below timberline. Keep food, trash, and scented items in the container and stash it 200 feet from your site. Don’t camp below dead trees; wind storms blow branches off them.Recommended season(s): July through September.
—Stewart M. Green
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