Lake Agnes is a striking alpine lake at approximately 10,663 feet in State Forest State Park, tucked into a north-facing cirque beneath the jagged Nokhu Crags and the flanks of Mount Richthofen in Grand County. The short but steep hike from the upper trailhead — roughly one mile with about 640 feet of elevation gain — makes it one of the most rewarding quick-access alpine lakes in northern Colorado.
The scenery punches well above its weight. The Nokhu Crags tower nearly 2,000 feet above the eastern shore, their dark volcanic rock cutting a dramatic silhouette against the sky. Mount Richthofen rises to the south, completing a horseshoe of peaks that cradle the lake in a natural amphitheater. Visitors regularly compare the setting to Maroon Bells for sheer visual impact, and the fraction of the crowd makes the experience feel far more remote.
Fishing at Lake Agnes targets native cutthroat trout that have never been restocked. The fish average 14 to 15 inches, and because the population sustains itself naturally, catch rates can be slow — but the setting more than compensates. Fly and lure fishing are permitted, and the sandy western bank offers the best casting access. The north shore requires scrambling over loose talus, and you may need to wade in spots where the boulders pinch against the waterline.
The trail to the lake passes through dense spruce-fir forest before breaking into the open cirque. Moose frequent the willows near the trailhead and along the lower trail, so keep your distance. In late June and early July, snow lingers in the bowl above the lake, drawing backcountry skiers who make the short hike for summer turns — one of the few places in Colorado where that is possible.
State Forest State Park charges a daily vehicle fee or accepts a Colorado Parks and Wildlife annual pass. The upper trailhead is accessible from Highway 14 over Cameron Pass, about 50 miles west of Fort Collins. Cameron Pass typically opens by late May, though snow can close it again into early June in heavy snowpack years. A vault toilet is located at the trailhead, but there are no other facilities at the lake.
Lake Agnes is a strong choice for hikers and anglers who want an alpine cirque experience without committing to an all-day trek. The drive over Cameron Pass is scenic in its own right, and nearby attractions like the Michigan River, the Crags Campground, and the Never Summer Range make it easy to build a full weekend in the State Forest backcountry.