Hassell Lake

Managing agency

State Fish and Wildlife

Hassell Lake is a 2.1-mile out-and-back trail located in Colorado near the town of Colorado, within White River National Forest under the management of the Rifle Ranger District. This moderate day hike provides access to a scenic alpine lake setting in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The trail follows a well-established route that takes hikers through diverse forest terrain to the shoreline of Hassell Lake. The out-and-back format allows visitors to choose their own turnaround point, making it accessible for hikers of varying abilities and time constraints. White River National Forest encompasses over 800,000 acres of pristine wilderness and recreational opportunities. The Rifle Ranger District manages this portion of the forest, maintaining trails and ensuring visitor access to natural resources in the area. This hike is ideal for those seeking a relatively quick outing to an alpine lake without requiring technical skills or extensive time commitment. The trail's proximity to the Colorado area makes it a convenient destination for local outdoor enthusiasts and visitors to the region seeking mountain lake scenery and forest immersion.