Trappers Lake

The Carhart Trail circles Trappers Lake which lies completely within Flat Tops Wilderness . The trail stays close to the shore on the east and north sides, providing good fishing access. On the west and south sides, the trail is up to 1.3 miles away from the lake.

The Carhart Trail provides access to the Little Trappers Trail #1814 to the east, Trappers Lake Trail #1816 to the south, and Wall Lake Trail #1818 to the west.

The trail is named for Arthur Carhart, whose survey near Trappers Lake in 1919 inspired him to recommend preserving the area for future generations. Arthur Carhart's efforts set the stage for the Wilderness Act of 1964 and the National Wilderness Preservation System which includes Trappers Lake and the rest of the Flat Tops Wilderness.

Print a trail description and map (.pdf)

The Little Trappers Trail begins at a junction with the Carhart Trail #1815 near the point where Cabin Creek flows into Trappers Lake within Flat Tops Wilderness . The trail climbs 100 yards on a gentle slope, and the Chinese Wall becomes visible across an open meadow.

Crossing the meadow, the trail enters an area burned in the 2002 Big Fish Fire and follows Cabin Creek 1 mile to Little Trappers Lake. The trail passes the lake and climbs for 2 miles until it emerges on the Flat Tops Plateau at 11,000'. The trail crosses rolling tundra for 1 mile, then terminates at the Chinese Wall Trail #1803.

The Trappers Lake Trail follows Fraser Creek from Trappers Lake through forest, riparian and alpine landscapes to the eastern part of the Flat Tops Wilderness . It emerges on the Flat Tops Plateau in an area with many small potholes of water. The trail heads south, crossing the headwaters of the South Fork of the White River and the west side of Shingle Peak and travels 6 miles to a popular camping area around Rim and Shepherd Lakes. The higher peaks of the Flat Tops are visible along this section of the trail. Looking down Sweetwater Creek southwest of Rim Lake, the Sawatch Range is visible to the southeast. The trail continues 5 miles from Sweetwater Creek to Indian Camp Pass. Indian Camp Pass is on the southern edge of the Flat Tops Wilderness.

View a trail description and map . (.pdf)

The Trappers Lake Trail begins at Indian Camp Pass on the southern edge of the Flat Tops Wilderness and passes through miles of beautiful alpine terrain before descending to Trappers Lake . A high-clearance, four wheel drive vehicle is recommended to access the Indian Camp Pass Trailhead. It is rated moderate because of the initial climb out of Indian Camp onto the plateau above. This trail offers access to numerous other trails and lakes in the Shingle Peak area, and round trips of varying lengths back to Indian Camp Pass are possible.

View a printable trail description and map . (.pdf)