Herman Lake

Summary

A fairly easy out-and-back hike, about 4 miles one way. There are few grand vistas, but there is a large variety of wildflowers.

Starting elevaton is about 10250 feet, and Herman Lake elevation is just under 12000 feet.

Near the east end of Eisenhower Tunnel.

Getting There

From Denver, go west on I70 past Georgetown, and then 2.9 miles west of the Bakerville exit to exit 218. From the Eisenhower Tunnel, go east about 2.5 miles to exit 218. This exit leads to the trailhead on the north side of I70. There is ample parking and a restroom.

Maps: Trails Illustrated #104 or DeLorme page 38.

The Hike

From the trailhead, hike about 1/4 mile to a fork. The right fork heading east) is the Watrous Gulch trail. Take the left fork (heading northwest). Herman Lake is a 3.75 mile hike from here.

Much of the trail is through coniferous forest, with aspens mixed in at the lower elevations.

The trail immediately begins to climb fairly steeply. It's wide and easy, but fairly slow going due to the incline. You will hear the traffic on I70, but after a while the sound of falling water will overtake the highway noise. The trail climbs along and above a long tumble of whitewater. This is Herman Gulch. From here on, the trail stays fairly close to the stream all the way to the lake.

A small section of the long tumble of whitewater.

The whitewater section tumbles down a steep embankment, in among many trees, so it can be somewhat difficult to reach and to photograph.

At the top of the hill, the trail levels out and climbs through a gently sloping valley. In late May the foliage is still brown and deep snow may block much of the path. It may not be possible to reach the lake without snowshoes. By mid June the snow should be almost completely gone, and everything is much greener. Wildflowers bloom along the trail.

Yellow Marsh Marigold blooming along the trail.

The trail sometimes follows the stream, and sometimes moves away from it, but never very far. As you gain elevation, different varieties of wildflower will appear.

The trail often passes near the stream.

The trail through a wide part of the valley.

Parry Primrose at the edge of the stream.

Sometimes the trail leads through large open areas, and sometimes through dense forest. There are dry places, marshy areas, and flower-filled meadows.

An open area with a field of various wildflowers, including Arnica (a type of sunflower) and Bistort (the white ones).

An interesting outcropping of red rock.

As you approach the lake, the trail leads through a narrower part of the valley. The sides are steeper and occasionally a small stream or waterfall joins the main stream.

A small waterfall on a tributary.

The trail climbs more steeply, and then levels out again above timberline. You may have to cross a few shallow snowfields.

Above timberline, with a patch of snow to cross.

When I hiked this trail in mid June, Herman Lake was still half frozen. The altitude here is just under 12000 feet, and the lake is less than 1/2 mile from the Contenental Divide. The weather was constantly changing. The clouds would break and the sun would shine for a few minutes, and then it would cloud up and snow for a few minutes.

Herman Lake, half frozen, with sunlight peeking under the clouds.

Herman lake, half thawed.

The alpine flowers near the lake can be beautiful, but you'll have to watch closely for them. They are tiny and grow in small patches. Be careful where you walk -- these plants take many years to grow at this altitude.

Alpine Forget-Me-Not near Herman Lake.

Pink Moss Campion near Herman Lake.

On the return trip, you'll be heading southeast. You can see distant peaks down the valley and across I70. As the light changes things may look a little different than they did on the way up.

Globeflower and Marsh Marigold grow in the cold, wet areas where the snow is melting.

My Trails Illustrated map shows Herman Lake as the end of the trail, but I have heard that you can continue on and meet other trails higher up.