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Lake Helene and Two Rivers Lake

Larimer County, Colorado

5.0/5
based on 4 reviews

Details

Distance

6.18 miles

Elevation Gain

1230 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Eric Schuette

Visit two beautiful lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park and have captivating views of Notchtop Mountain, Little Matterhorn, and Flattop Mountain. Two Rivers Lake does not have a direct trail to it, so expect relative solitude. For those interested, you can continue hiking to Odessa and Fern Lakes or take an off-trail scamper to Joe Mills Mountain.

Begin the hike by following the Bear Lake trail and after ~.45 miles take the trail to the right towards Odessa Lake and Flattop Mountain. Continue along the trail as it climbs above Bear Lake to the split with the Flattop Mountain trail at approximately 1 mile. The trail continues toward Odessa Lake and will climb through forests and meadows along the way. Travel moderates to the Sourdough Campsite, crests, and drops to several unmarked trails on your left for Lake Helene. Each winds through the forest to the northeast shore of Lake Helene. Note the lake is partially concealed from the trail and spurs are fairly easy to miss. If you make a sharp hairpin turn north (right) and begin descending, you've gone too far.

Two Rivers Lake is near treeline just downstream of Lake Helene. It's aesthetically comparable (if not competitive) to Lake Helene, but sees much less traffic.Though easy to find on most maps, a thick forest and boulder field stand between the main trail and lake, making it difficult to reach. The To reach the lake it can be just as easy to walk north from Lake Helene for a few hundred yards through forest and meadows.

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Features

Fishing
Photography
Hiking
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Lake
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers

Lake Helene and Two Rivers Lake Reviews

This is a really scenic spot. It's a really cool area and I'm always surprised there aren't more people here. Also consider exploring the area further west or go up to Lake Odessa nearby.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Emerald Lake via Bear Lake Trailhead

Nymph, Dream, Emerald, and Haiyaha Lakes

Flattop Mountain and Hallett Peak

Climb Notchtop Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park

Winter Hike Flattop Mountain

Dragon's Tail Couloir Climb