The hike to the Lost Lake via Hessie Trail is full of amazing views and mesmerizing scenery and is surely one of the best hikes. When you are hiking this beautiful trail you would come across a waterfall, cascades, wildflowers, as well as small meadows. The trail is located near Nederland, Colorado. It’s just an hour away from Denver. It’s a 4.1 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 869 feet. If you love hiking around the mountains you would love this trail as it is surrounded by mountains of Indian Peaks.
The hike is not very difficult and is considered family-friendly; however you would have to follow an upward trail, so be prepared for this. It would take you around three hours to hike the trail and come back. It’s not a lot of time, but, still, you should take the necessary items with you. Apart from hiking, you can also do camping, fishing, and snowshoeing in the winter.
The trails begin from Hessie Trailhead. There is also a small parking lot there and as because it’s a popular trail you are unlikely to find a spot to park. In this case, you can park at the RTD Park and Ride in Nederland and take the free shuttle from there. Do not park alongside the road if you don’t want to be fined. When you arrive at the trailhead you need to cross the footbridge and follow the Devil’s Thumb Trail. The trail climbs steadily for about half a mile and when you reach the junction, there are three paths you can follow.
You can go to your left or right but these trails are not marked, so taking the middle path is recommended. There, you will see a sign that shows the way to the Lost Lake. Your destination is just a mile away from there. From this point onward the views get better and better, you will get to see a waterfall, set of cascades, and small meadows. When you get to the lake you can lie down, enjoy the views, or take a nap. Don’t forget to take photos as well.