Hike to Savage Lakes

5.0

5 miles 1200 ft gain - Out-and-Back Trail

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Far away from any paved roads, this moderate hike provides beautiful scenery and desolate lake hang outs. The 5-mile out-and-back trail gains 1,200 ft in elevation, and is wide open at the top for further exploration!

The majority of this hike traverses through the beautiful forest that is part of the Holy Cross Wilderness. No significant views are to be had until you've climbed 1,200 ft over 2.5 miles and reach lower Savage Lake. The trail is easy enough to follow with no junctions along the way, and is adjacent to a stream for most of the hike.

Once the first lake has been reached, follow the trail on the left side on the edge of the lake and it will take you to the upper Savage Lake. There is a clear trail to follow but the vegetation is wide enough to allow you to explore your own way around the lakes.

Getting there:
Drive east on Fryingpan River Road 28 miles, passing Ruedi and Meredith. About 3 miles past Meredith a dirt road branches to the left, just before a small bridge. Follow this Forest Road 501 for about 5 miles to a fork in the road. Take the left fork (about 1 mile past Elk Wallow Campground) and continue another 3.5 miles to an area where the road has been greatly widened. The trailhead lies on the left (north) lower side.

Fitness

Chillin

Fishing

Photography

Running

Swimming

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Groups

Lake

Picnic Area

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

Swimming Hole

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Reviews

Rate this Adventure

Michael Sandoval

Hike to Savage Lakes

over 2 years ago

Michael

Went in as a day hike and the views where amazing would definitely recommend this hike to anyone even the hike up was amazing

5.0

Ryder Bossow

Hike to Savage Lakes

over 2 years ago

Ryder

Hike was awesome the whole way up. Recommend this hike it was dope.

5.0

Explorer

Gustavo Quiros

Explorer

🥇Top Contributor

Hike to Savage Lakes

over 3 years ago

One of my favorite hikes

I went here for a day hike with a couple of friends and we had the best time. The views were gorgeous the sunset spectacular and the night hike was out of this world. Definitely recommend this hike!

5.0

Leave No Trace

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

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.