Colorado · Hiking · Near Estes Park

Timber Lake Trail

Timber Lake TrailPhoto: Dariusz Kowalczyk, CC BY-SA 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
5.8 mi
round trip
993 ft
climb
10,014 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Aug
best months

Is Timber Lake Trail open right now?

Road closed

US 34: Milner Pass is listed as closed by CDOT 511 (2 listed).

  • US 34: Milner Pass

    Closed · ~3.7 km from Timber Lake Trail · CDOT 511

  • US 34: road closure

    Closed · ~0.4 km from Timber Lake Trail · CDOT 511

  • Trail Ridge Road Status Update

    Park closure covering Rocky Mountain National Park · NPS · Rocky Mountain National Park

As of · Source: CDOT 511. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Timber Lake Trail is a 2.9-mile out-and-back hike located in Colorado. This moderate day hike offers an accessible option for hikers exploring the Colorado area. The trail follows a straightforward route that retraces itself, making navigation simple for visitors of all experience levels. The out-and-back format means hikers will enjoy the same scenery on both the approach and return journey, allowing for different perspectives as lighting and conditions change throughout the day. With a distance of 2.9 miles round trip, the trail is suitable for families, casual hikers, and those looking for a shorter outing. Timber Lake Trail provides an opportunity to experience Colorado's natural landscapes while remaining manageable for most fitness levels. The trail's proximity to the Colorado area makes it a convenient option for both locals and visitors to the region. Whether you're seeking a leisurely walk through nature or a quick outdoor excursion, this trail offers a straightforward hiking experience in a scenic Colorado setting.

Around this trail

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

    Timber Creek Campground

    Campground

    Campground · 1.5 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Trail Ridge Cafe

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 6 mi
  • If it rains

    Images of Rocky Mountain National Park

    Gallery

    In town

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Estes Park

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Aug

    Best time to visit Timber Lake Trail

    Best months: June–August. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      29° / 3°

      11 wet

    2. Feb

      30° / 5°

      11 wet

    3. Mar

      38° / 12°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      45° / 20°

      10 wet

    5. May

      55° / 27°

      9 wet

    6. Jun

      67° / 33°

      8 wet

    7. Jul

      73° / 40°

      10 wet

    8. Aug

      72° / 38°

      11 wet

    9. Sep

      64° / 31°

      9 wet

    10. Oct

      51° / 22°

      8 wet

    11. Nov

      38° / 12°

      10 wet

    12. Dec

      30° / 4°

      12 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Gould 4se Sfsp, CO, 11.2 mi away at 9,000 ft. The station sits about 1,000 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

    Closures we've recorded since August 2026

    • US 34: Milner Pass closed

      closed Oct 28, 2026, no reopening recorded · State DOT

    • US 34: Milner Pass closed

      closed Oct 28, 2026 → reopened Oct 28, 2026 · State DOT

    • US 34: Milner Pass closed

      closed Oct 27, 2026 → reopened Oct 27, 2026 · State DOT

    • US 34: Milner Pass closed

      closed Oct 26, 2026 → reopened Oct 27, 2026 · State DOT

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors