Lake Katherine is a pristine alpine lake nestled in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness of Jackson County, reached by a scenic three-mile hike through one of northern Colorado's most beautiful backcountry corridors. The trail winds through dense forest with stream crossings, passing waterfalls and wildflower meadows before arriving at a clear mountain lake surrounded by rugged peaks. At roughly 10,000 feet in elevation near the Park Range, this is a true wilderness destination that rewards hikers with solitude and stunning scenery.
The hike to Lake Katherine covers about two to three miles one way, depending on which trailhead you start from, with a gradual uphill grade that most reasonably fit hikers can manage in a couple of hours. The trail does require fording a river crossing, which can run high during spring snowmelt in June and early July. Fallen trees occasionally block sections of the path, and the trail gets overgrown and weedy in spots during late summer, so long pants and sturdy boots are smart choices.
Camping at Lake Katherine is popular, but the number of suitable campsites near the water is limited. Arriving early in the day, especially on summer weekends, gives you the best shot at securing a spot close to the lake. As a designated wilderness area, leave-no-trace principles apply and campfires may be subject to seasonal restrictions. Pack everything in and out.
Late August hiking brings a bonus along the trail: wild raspberries and strawberries grow in patches along the path. The surrounding forest and alpine meadows provide excellent bird watching, and the quiet setting makes wildlife sightings common. Fishing in the lake is possible, though specific species and catch reports are limited.
Lake Katherine sits within the broader Mount Zirkel Wilderness, which covers over 160,000 acres and offers connections to additional alpine lakes, ridge traverses, and multi-day backpacking routes. The trailhead is most easily accessed from Steamboat Springs to the south or Walden to the east. Roads to the trailhead are typically snow-free from late June through October, though conditions vary year to year.
This is not a drive-up lake with picnic tables and restrooms. Lake Katherine is earned on foot, and the effort is what keeps it special. Hikers who make the trek consistently describe it as one of the most rewarding day hikes in the northern Colorado mountains.