San Isabel National Forest
Hunts Lake Trail #1405

This 8 mile trail along the northern edge of the Sangre de Cristo's is rated as moderate. It sees nearly all of its traffic in the summer and fall.

Elevations:

• Trail beginning: 9,000'
• High Point: 11,500'
• Trail ending: 11,500'

Access: 3 miles east of Salida on US 50 turn south onto County Road 101. Follow CR 101 until it ends at the Rainbow Trail. There's a small parking area here but don't park on the trail itself. Then head east on the Rainbow Trail about 5 miles to the junction with Hunts Lake Trail (just before a switchback and right across from a trail on the downward side leading onto private property). There's also a sign on the Rainbow Trail directing for Stout and Bear Creeks.

Notes: From the junction on the Rainbow Trail, it's about 3 miles back in to Hunts Lake. The first 2 miles are in good shape but the last part is steep and very rocky. The lake is just below treeline in a tight glacial cirque basin. And if you came here just to fish, well.. good luck (CDOW's stocking helicopters don't often get here because of the location in this steep and narrow cirque).

USGS Maps: Wellsville, Bushnell Peak