Where is Trappers Lake located?

Trappers Lake is located in Garfield County, Colorado.

Is a permit required at Trappers Lake?

Permit information is not currently available. Check with the managing agency for current requirements.

Trappers Lake

lake

Garfield County, Colorado

4.7(41 reviews)

About Trappers Lake

Trappers Lake sits inside a natural amphitheater in the Flat Tops Wilderness of Garfield County, one of Colorado's most pristine alpine fishing destinations. At over 9,500 feet in elevation, the lake draws visitors who want genuine backcountry scenery without a grueling approach — you can drive to within about a mile of the water, then hike in from there. No motorized boats are permitted on Trappers Lake, keeping the surface quiet and the shoreline wild. Catch-and-release fishing for native Colorado River cutthroat trout is the main draw, and anglers consistently describe it as some of the best they have experienced in the state.

A 6.5-mile loop trail circles the lake, climbing through surrounding hillsides and offering views of the recovering forest from the 2002 Big Fish Fire. Shorter routes along the lake bank are also available for families or those wanting a quicker outing. Visitors regularly spot elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and a variety of birds and chipmunks along the trail. Several campgrounds operate near the lake, though none offer electrical hookups — a dump station and water stations are available at each campground. Trappers Lake Lodge, which sits on leased forest service land, offers cabin rentals, a restaurant, showers, and unpowered boat rentals including canoes and kayaks.

Getting to Trappers Lake requires either the scenic but washboard Ripple Creek Pass route or the longer paved approach through Rifle. Either way, plan for a remote experience with limited cell service and no Wi-Fi. Campground reservations fill quickly during summer months, and reviewers warn that finding alternative camping or lodging nearby can mean a long drive. Bugs are a constant companion during warmer months, so bring plenty of insect repellent. The lake is not wheelchair accessible — reaching the water requires hiking on uneven terrain. Despite the 2002 fire damage still visible across hillsides, regrowth is well underway, and most visitors describe Trappers Lake as one of the most beautiful and unspoiled destinations in Colorado.

Reviews (10)

Tom Daack

Amazing 6.5 mile trail around Trappers Lake. Shorter route around lake bank but this trail takes you through some of the surrounding hillsides reaching over 9,500'. Fire damage from 2002 is still very evident but regrowth is wonderful

Chad Lahue

The lodge has really gone downhill. Used to have periodic accessible WiFi but now it’s $10 to make a call out. The food is really high priced and not good. $32 for a paper thin steak that will be cooked well done despite how it’s ordered. Go here for the beauty but not the restaurant.

David Cole

Awesome!!

Timothy Paynter

I never give five stars. This is an exception. The lake has been well preserved despite the “new” road most of the way there. I knew of people who used to hike 10 miles to get in. Today you can drive to within about a mile. The lake is in an amphitheater and it is spectacular! For young children try the picnic spot above the lake on the far side of the lake for a 7 minute hike. The strictly controlled camping is a problem as are the billionaires who own almost all the land on the way up including the Rio Grand Ranch, whose ownership is shrouded in mystery. These billionaires prohibit access to the best part of the White River valley and have purchased and closed businesses reducing tourism. There is some limited fishing access on the way up. If you don’t have reservations at Trappers Lake Lodge (on leased land) or at the high priced campgrounds near the lake, plan on a long drive to find camping or lodging. Ripple Creek Pass is the spectacular way into the valley over washboard roads but you can go the long way through Rifle. Other back roads lead there as well.

Dess K

Beautiful although there's no way to drive all the way to the water, you must hike and it's not accessible to the disabled.

Remote, beautiful location.

Sabin Smith

Lovely part of Colorado

James Johnson

One of the best places I have camped. Ideal for longer camping as the resort allows for a shower and restaurant meal for a date night in the middle of the camping trip.

Glenn Miller

I love Trappers this was the first time back since 1982. Spent many a summer up there. Rest easy pop. We brought you back.

Sabina K.

Nice hike up to trappers Lake