Colorado · Hiking · Near Leadville

Lake Charles

9.3 mi
round trip
1,621 ft
climb
11,308 ft
high point
Out and back
route

Caution today

Agency alerts are in effect for this area; weather is good · USFS, OpenWeather · checked 1 h ago

Is Lake Charles open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists 6 alerts for White River National Forest.

As of · Source: USFS · White River National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Lake Charles is a moderate hike in the Eagle Ranger District of White River National Forest in Colorado, managed by the Forest Service. The trail is about 9.3 miles long, with a one-way elevation gain of 1,621 feet, and it follows a natural surface. It is an out-and-back route, starting at a low point of about 9,437 feet and reaching a high of about 11,308 feet. Horses are allowed on the trail, but bikes are not. The climb is a steady one, and the route is best suited to a day with a plan to stay overnight or for a longer outing in the district. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from the nearby Climax weather station, at a similar elevation, show July highs around 67°F with lows near 40°F, while winter months bring highs in the mid-20s and frequent snow days. Gold Dust and Gold Dust Peak are both within about a mile and a half. Yeoman Park Campground is about 2.5 miles away, and East Brush Creek offers canoeing about 2.8 miles off.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Fulford Cave Campground

    Campground

    Campground · 1.2 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Hot Heads Chicken

    Fast food

    On your way back · 24 mi · Open after 6

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors · Photos: Craig Talbert, CC BY 3.0 (commons)

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