Enjoyable, Relaxed Lake Hike Offering Plenty of Sights
Hit the Trails: Lower Cataract Lake Loop
Experience an effortless family adventure in the heart of Colorado's Rockies with the Lower Cataract Lake Loop hike near Silverthorne. Follow our step-by-step guide to embark on this picturesque journey.
Paving the Way
Start your expedition by cruising up Highway 9, a northward route through Silverthorne, exiting I-70 at 203. Travel a whopping 16.5 miles, then veer left onto Heeney Road. Drive another 5.5 miles, before taking a left on Forest Road 1725 – mind the sharp curve on the left. Continue straight on this unmarked dirt road, avoiding any forks, for roughly 2.5 miles. Spot the Surprise Lake trailhead and parking area initially, but look out for another parking area a stones throw away, nestled at a dead end gate. Park here, and trot through the gate. Oh, and there's a bathroom facilities at the trailhead, but don't expect cell service.
The Great Outdoors – Lower Cataract Lake
Grab your compass and set off! We've taken the route clockwise, but prove yourself adaptable by choosing either direction. We saw no obvious differences between the two, except perhaps an easier time following the trail counter-clockwise, as it follows the old road for the most part.
The Lower Cataract Lake trail is a breeze, with insignificant elevation changes and alterations, making it a fantastic option for newbies, families, and seniors. Lose yourself in a diverse landscape, traversing sagebrush, towering grasses, wildflowers, aspen groves, and pine forests. Ardent autumn foliage seekers will find this hike particularly enchanting.
Keep your eyes peeled for the cascade at the far end of the lake. You'll catch glimpses of its upper reaches from the parking area, as well as at various points along the hike. As you approach, the foliage will obstruct the view, but the roaring water's unmistakable crescendo will lead the way. No worries about crossing the stream, either; a sturdy pedestrian bridge hovers above the rushing current.
We completed this trail in early June, enjoying a snow-free hike with flourishing vegetation and budding blooms. Get ready for a kaleidoscope of wildflowers later in the season. This charming path is a birdwatching paradise too; keep your eyes in the trees for soaring hawks and hummingbirds in abundance.
Casting a Line – Lower Cataract Lake Fishing
While we neglected to bring fishing gear along on this trek, we did spy plenty of fish lazing in the lake. Don't be too disheartened by the distance to cast to the fish; consider the nearby Blue River for some shore-side fishing if you spot its pullouts on Heeney Road along the way.
The Final Verdict
Lower Cataract Lake Loop shines as an ideal early-season escapade, alongside the peak wildflower season and birding enthusiasts' delight. Ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts of all shapes and sizes, remember to mind the regulations in place within the Eagles Nest Wilderness, where this trail lies. Keep pets on leashes, and adhere to the 7 Leave No Trace principles to preserve the area's beauty for future generations.
Gear up for a lifestyle that combines outdoor-living and sports with this adventure to Lower Cataract Lake Loop. As you venture through the heart of Colorado's Rockies, surround yourself with the serenity of home-and-garden-like settings, including sagebrush, aspen groves, and pine forests. After the hike, cast your line in the lake or head to the nearby Blue River for a fishing experience. To maintain the pristine landscape of the Eagles Nest Wilderness, remember to follow the 7 Leave No Trace principles and keep pets on leashes.
