Thomas Lakes rest in a glacial cirque beneath the twin summits of Mount Sopris in Pitkin County, and the hike to reach them ranks among the most rewarding day trips in the Roaring Fork Valley. A 7.2-mile round-trip trail climbs through dense aspen groves and subalpine meadows before arriving at two alpine lakes backed by the 12,965-foot peak that dominates the skyline above Carbondale. The setting draws hikers from nearby Aspen and Glenwood Springs who want a challenging but achievable outing with a spectacular payoff.
The Thomas Lakes Trail (Trail #1958) starts at the Dinkle Lake trailhead, accessed via Prince Creek Road about a mile and a half south of Carbondale on Highway 133. Turn right onto Forest Road 311 and follow it roughly two miles to the parking area. The trail gains about 2,000 feet of elevation over 3.6 miles, with most of the grade staying moderate through shaded aspen forest. One steeper 300-meter section near the top provides the only real push before the terrain levels out at the lower lake. Expect the hike to take two to three hours each way, depending on fitness and stops.
The lakes themselves sit at roughly 11,000 feet surrounded by rocky shoreline and alpine meadow. The water is clear and cold, and the rocky beaches are perfect for skipping stones or stacking cairns while you catch your breath. In late September the surrounding aspens turn brilliant gold, and wildflowers carpet the meadows from late June through early August. Dogs are welcome on leash but should be controlled around other hikers, as the trail sees steady traffic on summer weekends.
Backpacking to Thomas Lakes is permitted with a free self-registration permit at the trailhead. Campfires are prohibited at the lake basin to protect the fragile alpine environment, bear canisters are required for food storage, and group size is capped at 15 people. All human waste must be disposed of at least 100 feet from any water source. These rules keep the area pristine despite its popularity.
Beyond the lakes, the trail continues upward through loose scree toward the summit of Mount Sopris. The full summit push adds roughly 2,300 feet of additional elevation gain and requires scrambling over rocky terrain, so only experienced hikers with proper gear should attempt it. The reward is a 360-degree panorama that takes in the Maroon Bells, Capitol Peak, and the Elk Mountains stretching to the horizon.
Thomas Lakes is not a fishing destination or a place to launch a boat. It is a hiking lake in the purest sense, a high alpine reward earned by putting one foot in front of the other through one of Colorado's most beautiful forests.