Trail Information and Road Conditions | Frying Pan River Valley

Join Darlene Liss, volunteer Forest Ambassador, on Wednesdays at the Maroon Bells Visitor Center for hands-on exploration
of wild things.

Take the Forest Conservancy Conservation Pledge to earn a Smokey Bear Junior Ranger pin.

DO YOU LIKE TO SHOP?
Click here to find out how you can support
the Forest Conservancy while you shop!

about us | volunteering | find a trail | e-naturalist cafe | quick links

Home | Contact Us

Smokey Bear educates the public about preventing forest fires.

JOSEPHINE LAKE #1916

Back to the trails list

Trail: Josephine Lake #1916

Region: Frying Pan River Valley

Difficulty: moderate

Description: The trail starts at the junction with Henderson Park trail and ends at the lake. Josephine Lake Trail climbs about 1,100 feet in elevation in just a little over one mile; until you get on the ridge at which time the trail drops down by the lake surrounded by 12,000+ foot peaks. The entire length of this hike; in at Henderson Park trailhead, up to Josephine Lake, out at Henderson Park trailhead; is 10.8 miles from start to finish - a tough one day, yet a beautiful backpack trip. There are great views of the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness to the south with the Elk Mountains off to the right and in the distance. You can also access this trail from Last Chance Creek trail. Wildflowers are in abundance in the meadow on the trails leading to Josephine Lake.

Directions: From Basalt, drive 27 miles up Frying Pan River Road and turn left on Road 501. Drive one mile past Elk Wallow Campground and take left fork .10 mile to trailhead parking on the left- marked Henderson Park. The trail begins 3 miles up from Henderson Park.

Map: USGS Mount Jackson

Site Design by: Unleashed Designs