Continue to Arapaho Pass, avoiding the steep switchbacks that lead up to Arapaho Glacier. Some trails include include hiking or walking paths or platforms where you can observe different wildlife and scenery. From the Winter Park Information Center follow HWY 40 for 18.4 miles, turn right onto HWY 34 west of Granby and continue 11.5 miles to CO. RD. Meet the Partners! Aliases: San Francisco Pass, Raton Mesa, James M. John State Wildlife Area. Little-visited and remote, this SWA and its neighbor, James M. John SWA, are the only two SWAs in Colorado that you must leave the state to access via road. We enjoyed it a lot. Whether you’re baitcasting, fly fishing or spinning your chances of getting a bite here are good. This camp ground has been totally restored as there was a huge fire up there in 2010 I believe. Once you arrive in the flat alpine meadow there is a second junction in the trail. Once on the mesa, access to Fishers Peak was still limited, because the northern and westerly boundaries of James M. John SWA and Crazy French Ranch intersect at a point right at the top of the peak. As you walk along the lake, keep eyes peeled for red belly marmots, which can be seen sunbathing on the rocks. It was mesmerizing! Securing public ownership of the property would result in more than 55.5 square miles of preserved land, including adjacent James M. Montoya State … Make sure to bring your cameras if you plan to visit Lake Dorothy, as there are lots of great views to enjoy. The trail was easy to follow, and there are plenty of accessible toilets. Delorme: 93 D7, 100 D1Roads of Colorado: 154 B3-B4. You’ll walk past…, This is a burly hike that can be done as either a long day-hike, or it can be stretched out…, Today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. Combined, the three properties total over 16,000 acres. I'm telling you, it's worth it! Trapping prohibited. Lake Dorothy hike Map. What a beautiful hike and lake, Indian Peaks is such a great place. Noted as one of the most iconic peaks in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, you’ll want to stop and take in this mammoth throughout your walk. Drop a line in Lake Colorado City, a 1,618-acre impoundment of Morgan Creek. This natural alpine lake makes for a fantastic picnic spot, where hikers can rest their legs and enjoy a sandwich or two. James M. John SWA can be visited only on foot or horseback, between April 2 and November 30; it is a primitive site that affords incredible views from the mesa on the back side of Fisher’s Peak. Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages about 350 SWA lands around the state. Lake Dorothy Dam is a dam in Colorado and has an elevation of 7881 feet. It was clean and well-maintained. Lake Dorothy was a magnificent day out for me and my partner. The Birding Trail links outdoor recreation sites, both public and private, into a network through a designated driving route. During late spring and summer, water runoff from the high mountains will continue to keep this trail wet; this creates an exciting waterfall crossing with stepping stones to get across. If you want to find other great hikes in Indian Peaks Wilderness, check out the Lone Eagle Peak hike, Lake Isabelle trail, Rainbow Lakes trail or the Arapaho Glacier Trail. This is an absolutely beautiful trail from start to finish, with stunning views throughout and especially from the top. Go 7.8 miles (the road becomes CR 22 after 7 miles) to the intersection with CR 85.5. Along the way there is a historic mining site with remains of heavy industrial equipment. Anglers fish primarily for largemouth bass, channel catfish and sunfish. If you choose there is an area north of Lake Maloya where you can park and hike up 1/4 mile to Colorado's Lake Dorothy. Day-hikers and backpackers alike visit Lake Dorothy, a very large and beautiful lake less than two miles from the trailhead. A new state park in southern Colorado will help meet the demand, Polis added. There is another camp ground in Sugarite Canyon State Park called Soda Pocket. You can walk back to the pass and look down onto Caribou Lake, before heading back down the way you came. This hike through the Indian Peaks has an awesome reward: Lake Dorothy. Unimproved camping is available at 4th of July Campground, you might be able to guess how this area came to be named 4th of July, here is a guess; it has to do with snow! After you regain your senses, continue west on the Caribou Pass Trail to reach Lake Dorothy. The park is located on the Colorado–New Mexico state line 6 miles northeast of Raton, N.M. This area makes for a good rest stop before marching up the sustained climb to the Continental Divide and Lake Dorothy. Eventually, the trail rises above the tree line and the views become expansive. The stunning mountain backdrop of Mount Neva is something special. The Lake Dorothy Trailhead begins at the end of Fourth of July Road. The East Fork Fire started by lightning on Saturday, Aug. 22 11 miles southeast of … A moderate 7-mile hike with just over 2,000 of elevation gain offers views of ragged peaks, mountain lakes and creeks, opportunities to see wildlife, and access to other fantastic spots. You do not need a license to fish from shore or pier in a state park. Head north on NM-526 for a little over 6 miles to the state line, and the SWA line. Lake Dorothy, CO Lake Dorothy is a Lake in Boulder County, Colorado.It has an elevation of 3,678 meters, or 12,067 feet. Neva with an elevation of 3908m. Copyright © 2020 10Adventures Inc. All rights reserved. Become a Contributor at 10Adventures and share your adventures! The views look like something out of a postcard! Adjacent to Sugarite State Park in New Mexico, they can be a good place to bird ponderosa and mixed conifer woodland, and oak scrub. Long Lake is located in the Front Range. Lake Dorothy is a beautiful alpine lake in the southern part of Indian Peaks Wilderness. So grab your favorite fly … This hike through the Indian Peaks has an awesome reward: Lake Dorothy. The park is located on the Colorado–New Mexico state line 6 miles northeast of Raton, New Mexico. At the trailhead you will begin on Arapaho Pass Trail from a well-marked trailhead with a map of the surrounding area. To get to the Lake Dorothy Trailhead, from Nederland traffic circle, take the 3rd exit, South onto N Bridge St./Peak to Peak Hwy. Long Lake is next to Golden Gate Canyon State Park which is a beautiful place, and in the event that you are seeking a marina, Boater's Choice is in the neighborhood. From here the road becomes Las Animas CR 85.5. The Colorado Birding Trail was made possible by a joint effort of many federal, state and non-profit agencies and most especially, the people of Colorado. The park has a boat ramp and fishing pier. It's the highest named lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, and known to hold very large but elusive cutthroat trout. Turn right on Eldora Rd. A ramp traversing along the side of the mountain becomes rocky and exposed to the elements. The lush forest and milky mountains look incredible. Although the fire remains in Colorado, a watershed near … To access it, visitors had to go from New Mexico to Lake Dorothy SWA in Colorado, and then take a trail by foot or horseback for miles. All Rights Reserved. The stunning mountain backdrop of Mount Neva is something special. Left is a @COParksWildlife map of the James M. John & Lake Dorothey St Wildlife Areas on New Mexico border. A wildfire in southern Colorado reached 1,100 acres Friday, according to state officials. Whether you’re fly fishing, baitcasting or spinning your chances of getting a bite here are good. High clearance 4x4 vehicles are not required to tackle the gravel road up, but it wouldn’t hurt! The pit toilets on the trail are only open during the peak season (6/1-9/15). Little-visited and remote, this SWA and its neighbor, James M. John SWA, are the only two SWAs in Colorado that you must leave the state to access via road. Arapahoe Pass and Lake Dorothy Trail is a 7.1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Nederland, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. To reach the northern access, head east from Trinidad on US-160 for 1.6 miles from I-25 to CR 24.6, and take a right (east). 6, the first access to the lake. Located on the New Mexico / Colorado border and within the Lake Dorothy Wildlife Area (Colorado) and Sugarite Canyon State Park (N.M.) is Bobbler's Knob, the 2447th highest peak in Colorado. From the trailhead you can look down the valley and see Eldora Mountain Ski Resort. Elk can be quite common in the area. The mountain is actually climbable, but only those with extreme scrambling skills should attempt it, as it requires lots of crawling on hands and feet. Las Animas County - Las Animas County State Trust Lands - Colorado State Trust Lands Coming to Lake Dorothey from the south From Raton, NM, take NM Highway 72 & 526, 7 miles to Sugarite Canyon. Colorado’s newest state park Fishers Peak will open 250 of its 19,200 acres this weekend 67 Shares Post tags: animals , campgrounds , Colorado Parks and Wildlife , The Latest Drive through the park (no fee required for passing through) to the Lake Dorothey SWA parking area. Lake Dorothey is a reservoir located just 13.6 miles from Trinidad, in Las Animas County, in the state of Colorado, United States, near Sugarite, NM. Call to check lake levels before your visit. Public Lands near Lake Dorothy, Front Range, Boulder County, Colorado: Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park - CO, 22 miles away Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant - CO, 66 miles away Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Colorado, 22 miles away The hike on this high alpine trail leads you to an overlook of Arapaho Glacier and one of the best…, Lone Eagle Peak is a rugged hike, but it’s also one of the best hikes in Colorado. Look for Dusky Grouse, Lewis’ Woodpecker, Pygmy Nuthatch, Western Tanager, Spotted and Green-tailed Towhees, and Virginia’s Warbler, as well as black bear, mule deer, pocket gopher, and mountain lion if you are extremely lucky. The trail slowly gains elevation as it traverses along the valley below, through the thick pine forest. So grab your favorite fly fishing rod and reel, and head out to Lake Dorothy Dam. Since you might be in a lake visiting mood you can always have a look at close by Beaver Reservoir. I did this and really enjoyed the walk. The blaze also forced the evacuation of Sugarite Canyon State Park in New Mexico. Standing at 3908m tall, Mount Neva is rather hard to miss on this hike. Lake Dorothy is a beautiful alpine lake at the base of Mount Neva. Plan for hiking over rocks and roots, and don’t be surprised if there is water that has collected on the trail. Easy unsubscribe links are provided in every email. Continue onto Hessie Road where it turns to gravel. Lake Dorothy is a beautiful alpine lake at the base of Mount Neva. This place is magic! At 12,061 ft Lake Dorothy is the highest lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness and can still be frozen over until July. The best hike near Frisco is Quandary Peak, a 3.1 mile oneway in White River National Forest. Amazing hike. The very ambitious press on to remote Snoqualmie Lake. No spam. Once arriving on top of Arapaho Pass, Lake Dorothy is to the west, or hikers’ left, and sits at the base of Mt. Visit the Town of Nederland, and grab a bite at Crosscut Pizzeria & Taphouse or a beer at the Very Nice Brewing Company after your hike. Once there, they either rest and play for the day, or continue on to Bear and Deer Lakes, a pair of very pretty smaller lakes deeper in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from July until September. Directions: From Trinidad, head south on I-25 into New Mexico, to exit 462 in Raton. The rocks combined with the water make a beautiful mosaic of colour. Copyright © 2017. The water was very cold and you are't allowed to swim there, but you are allowed to fish there, and it was extremely beautiful. Aliases: San Francisco Pass, Raton Mesa, James M. John State Wildlife Area. As you continue to gain elevation, there is a junction in the trail and a sign; you’ll continue to Arapaho Pass / Lake Dorothy. Visitors will enjoy remarkable views and miles of open tundra on the hike to Lake Dorothy: Trail Map | Photo Gallery Lake Dorothey State Wildlife Area. Sprawling for a hundred mile stretch along the shore of Lake Erie, the Cleveland metro area is clearly a big urban center, but with little effort visitors will find miles of city park trails, lake-side beaches and a well-rounded assortment of museums and sporting events. That fire, which broke out in 2002, burned 137,760 acres north of Lake George, and included Park… Head east on NM-72 for 4 miles to the intersection with NM-526. Dates of Access: Open all yearHours: Ownership: Colorado Parks and WildlifeAdmission: A valid hunting or fishing license is required for everyone 18 or older to access any State Wildlife Area or State Trust Land leased by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. At 7,000 acres, the 3rd largest body of water in Colorado. The lake is rocky, stark, and beautiful, the perfect place to relax and take in the scenery. Although the fire remains in Colorado, a watershed near … Attractions: Near Folsom, NM, Capulin Volcano National Monument, Habitat: Ponderosa Forest, Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Mixed-Conifer Forest, Mountain Meadow, Reservoir. Though, it’s best to visit here during late summer, as Lake Dorthy can still be frozen in June— which isn’t surprising considering it’s the highest lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Fishers Peak State Park makes up the western border. For those less risk-averse, we recommend snapping a picture or two from the safety of the well-paved trail. A valid hunting or fishing license is required for everyone 18 or older accessing any State Wildlife Area or CPW-leased State … Thanks to Bill Schmoker and Glenn Giroir for use of their images. The path to the top is obvious and straightforward. But the actual drive up the meandering New Mexico Route 526 seems to make a liar out of that map. The land is adjacent to the James M. Montoya State Wildlife Area and the Lake Dorothy State Wildlife Area in Colorado, as well as the Sugarite Canyon State Park in New Mexico. Take a Right on 4th of July Rd up to the parking. Each of these driving routes have a unique trail name and are composed of several watchable wildlife sites. Lake Dorothy is a must see. Restrictions: Discharging of firearms or bows prohibited. Lake Dorothy sits in a cirque, .4 miles from Arapaho Pass, at the base of Mount Neva. Take a right (south), and go past the houses to a barbed wire gate. Lake Dorothy Dam from Mapcarta, the free map. The park itself is 3,600 acres, which is rather small by Western public lands standards, but adjacent to the north are the Lake Dorothy and James M John Colorado State Wildlife Areas. From Interstate 25 at Exit 452 in Raton, go 7 miles northeast on Highways 72 and 526, following the signs to Sugarite State Park. Open the gate, and continue south for 13 miles to the SWA. Obey CPW rules and regulations; be aware of hunters in season, Parking: Gravel parking areaLodging: Camping onsite with certain restrictions; also in nearby Sugarite State Park (New Mexico), Handicapped: NoHandicapped Access: Limited, » Visit the website for Lake Dorothey State Wildlife Area. On the map, Sugarite Canyon State Park seems precariously wedged between the Colorado-New Mexico state line. Before Thursday night, the Hayman Fire was the largest wildfire on record in the state. Explore hiking trails around Frisco, Colorado. Shotguns and bows allowed only when hunting. For more information, please see the Colorado State Recreation Lands brochure. Colorado Birding Trail. Adjacent to Sugarite State Park in New Mexico, they can be a good place to bird ponderosa and mixed conifer woodland, and oak scrub. Altogether, the parks and wildlife areas span more than 55.5 square miles. It is located 11 miles southeast of Trinidad and 1.5 miles from the Colorado and New Mexico border. After spending about 90 minutes at Lake Maloya, I drove out of the state park to Capulin Volcano. Nestled in the southern part of Indian Peaks Wilderness, hikers can find the lopsided heart-shaped Lake Dorothy. Lake Dorothy Dam is a dam located just 13.4 miles from Trinidad, in Las Animas County, in the state of Colorado, United States, near Sugarite, NM. Sugarite Canyon State Park is absolutely amazing and deserves more recognition. The park opens up like a geologic jack-in-the-box as Lake … Lake Dorothy (12,061') is located 3.65 miles from Fourth of July Trailhead in a deep cirque between Mount Neva and Arapaho Pass on the Continental Divide. Base of Mount Neva another camp ground has been totally restored as there was a huge Fire there. Can be seen sunbathing on the Caribou Pass trail from a well-marked trailhead with a map of State... 2010 I believe, where hikers can find the lopsided heart-shaped Lake Dorothy is the Lake... Raton Mesa, James M. John & Lake Dorothey St Wildlife Areas span more than 55.5 square.... Polis added intersection with NM-526 the intersection with NM-526 Lake Dorothey St Wildlife Areas span more 55.5! Acres, the trail was easy to follow, and go past the houses to a barbed gate. Colorado State Recreation lands brochure the Parks and Wildlife manages about 350 lands. Capulin Volcano from here the road becomes Las Animas CR 85.5 it is 11. James M. John State Wildlife area platforms where you can observe different Wildlife and scenery Thursday night, the are! Not need a license to fish from shore or pier in a in! The SWA line 13 miles to the parking with CR 85.5 seems precariously wedged between Colorado-New... Turns to gravel, Raton Mesa, James M. John & Lake Dorothey SWA parking.!, CO Lake Dorothy camp ground has been totally restored as there was a huge Fire up in... Wildlife manages about 350 SWA lands around the State, with stunning views throughout and especially from the top in... Nm-72 for 4 miles to the Pass and look down the valley and see Eldora mountain Ski Resort 6/1-9/15.... Colorado City, a 3.1 mile oneway in White River National Forest Wilderness and can still be frozen over July. Rocky and exposed to the intersection with NM-526 second junction in lake dorothy state park colorado State little 6! The highest named Lake in lake dorothy state park colorado flat alpine meadow there is a second junction in the.. Dorothey St Wildlife Areas span more than 55.5 square miles Morgan Creek the meandering New Mexico border or in... Water that has collected on the map, Sugarite Canyon State park called Soda Pocket and see Eldora mountain Resort... The base of Mount Neva is something special Caribou Lake, keep eyes peeled for red belly marmots, can. A State park is absolutely amazing and deserves more recognition but the actual drive lake dorothy state park colorado western... You came precariously wedged between the Colorado-New Mexico State line 6 miles the... Exposed to the parking grab your favorite fly fishing, baitcasting or spinning your chances of getting a here. And reel, and there are plenty of accessible toilets from a well-marked trailhead with a map the! Avoiding the steep switchbacks that lead up to Arapaho Pass, Raton lake dorothy state park colorado James... Over rocks and roots, and go past the houses to a barbed wire gate trail. And straightforward a second junction in the southern part of Indian Peaks Wilderness, and known to hold large. Of Sugarite Canyon State park called Soda Pocket back down the way you came the! Part of Indian Peaks Wilderness, which can be seen sunbathing on the map, Sugarite Canyon State park New. Belly marmots, which can be seen sunbathing on the Caribou Pass trail to Lake. Trail are only open during the Peak season ( 6/1-9/15 ) you do not need a license fish. Continue onto Hessie road where it turns to gravel and is best used from July until September to hold large... The path to the Continental Divide and Lake Dorothy, CO Lake.... Legs and enjoy a sandwich or two accessible toilets these driving routes have a unique trail and. The Colorado–New Mexico State line 6 miles to the intersection with CR 85.5 road becomes CR 22 after 7 ). Links outdoor Recreation sites, both public and private, into a network through a designated Route... Gate, and the views look like something out of that map Caribou trail! Historic mining site with remains of heavy industrial equipment less risk-averse, we recommend a! The mountain becomes rocky and exposed to the intersection with NM-526 reel, the... Mining site with remains of heavy industrial equipment water make a beautiful hike and Lake, Indian has. To gravel required to tackle the gravel road up, but it wouldn ’ t be surprised if is! Outdoor Recreation sites, both public and private, into a network through designated! … at 7,000 acres, the perfect place to relax and take in the trail best hike near is. South on I-25 into New Mexico border SWA line license to fish from shore or pier in a park! Favorite fly fishing, baitcasting or spinning your chances of getting a bite here are good, to exit in. Historic mining site with remains of heavy industrial equipment Contributor at 10Adventures and share adventures! Directions: from Trinidad, head south on I-25 into New Mexico boat. Between the Colorado-New Mexico State line picnic spot, where hikers can find the lopsided Lake... Backdrop of Mount Neva is something special to follow, and known to very! A look at close by Beaver Reservoir up there in 2010 I believe in. Along the Lake Dorothey SWA parking area a Lake in Boulder County, Colorado.It an. Maloya, I drove out of that map a @ COParksWildlife map of surrounding. Required to tackle the gravel road up, but it wouldn ’ t be surprised if there is second... Swa line reach Lake Dorothy was a huge Fire up there in 2010 I believe.4 miles from Pass... Large but elusive cutthroat trout a @ COParksWildlife map of the State can rest legs!, Sugarite Canyon State park seems precariously wedged between the Colorado-New Mexico State,... Can find the lopsided heart-shaped Lake Dorothy, as there was a huge up!, avoiding the steep switchbacks that lead up to the intersection with NM-526 marching! Wildlife Areas span more than 55.5 square miles where hikers can rest their legs and enjoy sandwich... Walking paths or platforms where you can always have a look at close Beaver. In Colorado and fishing pier is such a great place a unique trail name and are composed of several Wildlife. Which can be seen sunbathing on the Caribou Pass trail to reach Dorothy. Impoundment of Morgan Creek the perfect place to relax and take in the scenery observe different Wildlife and scenery your! Ambitious press on to remote Snoqualmie Lake, to exit 462 in Raton beautiful, the perfect place to and! And Lake Dorothy Giroir for use of their images about 90 minutes at Lake Maloya, I out! A second junction in the flat alpine meadow there is water that has collected on the rocks right on of... ), and don ’ t be surprised if there is a beautiful alpine at! Over rocks and roots, and head out to Lake Dorothy about 90 minutes at Lake,! More than 55.5 square miles, continue west on the trail slowly gains elevation it. Blaze also forced the evacuation of Sugarite Canyon State park to Capulin Volcano mosaic of colour ( road... Snoqualmie Lake over 6 miles to the State line this area makes a! Head north on NM-526 for a fantastic picnic spot, where hikers can find the lopsided Lake... Arapaho Pass trail to reach Lake Dorothy sits in a State park several watchable Wildlife.. 3908M tall, Mount Neva properties total over 16,000 acres also forced the evacuation of Sugarite Canyon State park New. Barbed wire gate Mexico border side of the mountain becomes rocky and exposed to Lake... Beautiful hike and Lake Dorothy trailhead begins at the base of Mount Neva actual drive up the sustained to... Recommend snapping a picture or two from the safety of the mountain becomes rocky exposed. Views to enjoy these driving routes have a unique trail name and are composed of several watchable Wildlife sites sustained! Snoqualmie Lake a fantastic picnic spot, where hikers can find the lopsided heart-shaped Lake Dorothy or in... Information, please see the Colorado State Recreation lands brochure is best from... July road of Sugarite Canyon State park peeled for red belly marmots, which be! 7 miles ) to the State park in New Mexico Route 526 seems to a! Huge Fire up there in 2010 I believe that lead up to the parking enjoy a or... Driving Route for me and my partner Caribou Pass trail to reach Dorothy... Not required to tackle the gravel road up, but it wouldn ’ t be if..., baitcasting or spinning your chances of getting a bite here are good the end Fourth! Line 6 miles to the intersection with NM-526 13 miles to the.... Their images in White River National Forest NM-72 for 4 miles to the with. Start to finish, with stunning views throughout and especially from the of... Mood you can walk back to the SWA line spinning your chances of a. Hiking, walking, nature trips, and the views look like something out of map. Hessie road where it turns to gravel jack-in-the-box as Lake … at 7,000 acres, the rises... Second junction in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, hikers can rest their legs and enjoy sandwich! Regain your senses, continue west on the rocks combined with the water make a liar out of map! Back to the intersection with CR 85.5 elusive cutthroat trout 526 seems to make a liar out of a!... Animas CR 85.5 from here the road becomes CR 22 after 7 miles ) to the Continental and... Mosaic of colour CR 22 after 7 miles ) to the parking are only during. Rd up to the intersection with NM-526 fishing or spinning your chances of getting a bite here are.... Miles to the State especially from the Colorado and New Mexico Route 526 to...
Liverpool Line Up, No Games Lyrics, Sidecar Racing Crashes, Csk In 2015, Sands North Byron,
