Mill Lake

Mill Lake is a 3.3-mile out-and-back trail located in Colorado near Colorado, managed by Routt National Forest's Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District. This moderate day hike provides access to a scenic alpine lake in the northern Colorado Rockies. The trail follows a straightforward out-and-back route, making it accessible for hikers of varying experience levels. You'll gain elevation as you ascend toward the lake, with the terrain typical of the Routt National Forest's high country. The forest setting and alpine destination offer typical mountain scenery characteristic of the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears area. The 3.3-mile distance allows most hikers to complete the round trip in a few hours, making it suitable for a half-day outing. The out-and-back format means you'll retrace your steps on the return, with familiar terrain to guide you back to the trailhead. This trail is maintained by the Routt National Forest and offers a relatively accessible way to reach a mountain lake in northern Colorado. Check with the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District for current trail conditions and seasonal closures before planning your visit.