Bob Lake is a stunning alpine lake perched high in the Indian Peaks Wilderness of Boulder County, Colorado, typically visited alongside neighboring Betty Lake and the larger King Lake. Reached via the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) or connecting trails from the Hessie Trailhead area, Bob Lake sits in a dramatic high-elevation basin where fog rolls through the peaks and the raw mountain atmosphere makes visitors feel completely immersed in the Colorado backcountry. With a perfect 5.0 rating from visitors, this is one of those alpine destinations that earns its reputation through sheer natural beauty.
The most common approach to Bob Lake follows the CDT trail down past King Lake, linking Betty Lake and Bob Lake into a single extended outing. This route involves significant mileage and elevation change, placing it firmly in the category of a committed day hike or overnight backpacking trip. The trail passes through subalpine forest and open tundra above treeline, with sections that can retain snow well into summer. Visitors who come in spring or early summer should bring traction devices such as microspikes, as icy and snowy conditions on the upper trail are common into July some years.
Fishing is possible at Bob Lake, and anglers do make the trek to try their luck in the clear alpine water. However, visitors report that mosquitoes can be fierce near the lake during summer months, so bring effective insect repellent and consider a head net for extended time at the water's edge. The lake itself sits in a rocky cirque with limited flat ground, creating an intimate and wild setting that feels far removed from the trailhead crowds of the Indian Peaks.
Bob Lake delivers the kind of high-alpine experience that defines Colorado's best backcountry destinations. The combination of CDT trail access, the linked Betty-Bob-King Lake circuit, and the raw beauty of the Indian Peaks Wilderness makes this an outstanding objective for experienced hikers and backpackers. Weather changes rapidly at this elevation, so carry rain gear, warm layers, and extra food regardless of the forecast. For those willing to put in the miles, Bob Lake rewards with solitude, mountain grandeur, and the unmistakable feeling of standing on top of Colorado's backbone.