Sweetwater Lake Recreation Area
Campground
Campground · 5.0 mi from the trail
Colorado · Hiking · Near Glenwood Springs
Rim Lake
- 9.4 mi
- round trip
- 2,070 ft
- climb
- 10,860 ft
- high point
- Out and back
- route
Is Rim Lake open right now?
Alert in the area
The Forest Service lists 6 alerts for White River National Forest.
FSR 286, Radical Hill, is closed due to washouts and unsafe conditions
Agency alert covering White River National Forest · USFS · White River National Forest
Limited parking at Snowmass Creek Trailhead
Agency alert covering White River National Forest · USFS · White River National Forest
Grizzly Creek Trail Closure
Agency alert covering White River National Forest · Order 2026-02 · USFS · White River National Forest
Ruedi Marina Day Use area Dump Station is CLOSED
Agency alert covering White River National Forest · USFS · White River National Forest
Asbestos safety closure - Camp Hale
Agency alert covering White River National Forest · USFS · White River National Forest
As of · Source: USFS · White River National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.
Rim Lake is a hard hike in the Eagle Ranger District of White River National Forest in Colorado, about 9 miles from the town of Sweetwater. It's an out-and-back route that rises from about 8,750 feet to about 10,860 feet, with a total elevation gain of roughly 2,070 feet. The trail is on natural surface and is open to horses. The climb is a long one. The route starts at the lower end of the forest district and works steadily upward, and the peak at 10,860 feet is the high point of the trip. Because the trail is rated hard, plan for a full day on foot. Horses are allowed, but bikes are not. For anyone riding, Sweetwater and Cross Creek are both within about 2 miles. Shingle Peak, another hike, is about 2 miles away. Sweetwater Lake Recreation Area, about 5 miles off, offers camping.
Around this trail
Add any of these when you start a tripSleep close Eat after - If it rains
Thermal springs in Colorado
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More in Glenwood SpringsLocal outfitters
- Flat Tops Wilderness Guides3 mi away
- Glenwood Canyon Resort20 mi away
Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.
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