Lake Agnes Colorado
Lakes Agnes Colorado Hike Guide

Lakes Agnes Colorado Hike Guide

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Lake Agnes is an extremely popular alpine lake hike located in the Northern Mountains of Colorado. Part of the reason this lake is so popular is that it is family friendly and a great trail for hikers of all skill levels. Lake Agnes is located in State Forest State Park and does require a Colorado State Park pass or day fee. What makes this alpine lake unique besides the beautiful mountains that surround it is the island in the middle of it. Lake Agnes is one of only a few alpine lakes in Colorado that have an island.

Lake Agnes Colorado

Lake Agnes Quick Facts

Hike Rating: Lake Agnes ( ⅘ ★★★★ Stars)

Distance: 2 Miles+ RT (More distance if you explore around lake)

Elevation Start: 10,275ft

Highest Point: 10,700ft

Total Elevation Gain: 500ft

Estimated Time to Complete: 1-2 Hours Total

Difficulty: Easy Difficulty System Explained

Class: Class1- What does this mean?

Season: June – October (expect snow & road closures outside of this period)

Weather: Check the Weather Forecast

Directions to Lake Agnes

Trailhead: Lake Agnes / Crags Entrance

Getting Here: From State Highway 14, turn onto County Road 62. Continue past the paid entrance point and up on the dirt road for about another 1 – 1.25 miles to reach the upper parking lot and official trailhead. For some reason Google does not like navigating to this spot but signs will make it fairly evident on where to go. The road is dirt and rougher in spots but should be passable by most passenger vehicles.

Parking: As of 2024, the parking for Lake Agnes is very limited. The upper parking lot can fit about 10-12 vehicles (if people are parking with their brains). When I visited in July, the lot did seem to be under construction so perhaps more spots will be added? Let me know in the comments if that is the case. If you are not able to park at the upper lot there is a lower lot (near the Crags Entrance) but this will require miles of extra hiking + some additional elevation gain. The main parking area does have a non plumbing bathroom. 

Fees: $10 day pass which can be purchased before the TH or an annual pass must be displayed on vehicle.

Lake Agnes Colorado

Summary

Camping: Camping at Lake Agnes itself is not an option, but there are plenty of options to camp within State Forest State Park.

Dogs: This is a dog friendly hike. Just be sure to keep your dog on a leash and as always, please pick up after your dog. 

Make it a Loop: Lake Agnes is an out and back hike. Although Aria and I hiked around the lake, I would NOT recommend doing this. There are several social trails on either side of the lake that abruptly end. If you are an inexperienced hiker and follow these, you could end up in a dangerous situation. If you want more hiking in the area, I would highly recommend checking out the neighboring American Lakes. 

Trail X Factors: Social Trails Around Lake

Once you arrive at Lake Agnes your favorite (horrible) outdoor app may tell you that there is a trail that goes around the lake itself. Said app is not correct. Can you find your way around the lake like Aria and I did? Sure. Would I recommend it? Absolutely not. Take some time to explore both sides of the lake but I would not recommend going around the entire lake. 

Hike Tip(s): Are you into fishing? That makes one of us! Be sure to bring your fly fishing kit for this hike as the lake has plenty of fish in it. Excuse my horrendously ignorant lack and use of fishing lingo, I am clearly not a fisherman. 

Best Views: Although you can’t hike around the entire lake safely, I would recommend checking out the right side of the lake for some awesome alternative angles of the island in the middle of Lake Agnes. 

Lake Agnes Colorado

Lake Agnes Hike Route

As previously mentioned, DO NOT follow our path around the lake. 

Gear Needed

Lake Agnes Colorado
Lake Agnes Colorado

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