San Isabel National Forest
Bushnell Lakes Trail #1402

This 5.5 mile long trail (to the lowest lake) in the northern Sangre de Cristo's is rated as moderate to difficult and sees most usage in summer and early fall. Because of the steepness of the trail, most folks do this as an over-night.

Elevations:

• Trail beginning: 8,200'
• High Point: 11,500'
• Trail ending: 11,500' (at the lowest lake, the upper lakes are further and higher)

Access: 20 miles east of Salida (near Coaldale) turn south at the sign for the Hayden Creek Campground. The parking lot is just north of the campground.

Notes: There is an access point to the Rainbow Trail just north of the campground and another in the campground. You're going to follow the Rainbow Trail northwest for about 2.5 miles to an obvious but unsigned trail junction. The trail to the southwest at this junction is the Bushnell Lakes Trail. Both of these trails are in good shape but the trail to Bushnell Lakes is quite steep.

You'll know you're on the right trail if you go about 25' and come across a Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Boundary sign and a register. From this point on, wilderness rules and regs apply.

The trail will climb pretty steeply for the next 2 miles, then almost level out for another mile below the lowest lake. You'll be just below timberline here. There is the first lake, then a stream with a waterfall and a small pond, then the second lake. The third lake is a bit further into the glacier-carved valley and just above treeline. The fishing in these lakes is rated as fair (the CDOW stocks these lakes by helicopter, so it doesn't happen too often).

USGS Maps: Coaldale