Hike to Herman Gulch & Herman Lake
Since we’ve been exploring many trails around Boulder, the Indian Peaks Wilderness, and Rocky Mountain National Park, we decided to check out a new area for hiking. The Herman Gulch Trail which leads to Herman Lake is located just off of I-70, which makes it easily accessible for hikers coming from around Denver, and even Boulder. It was about a 1 hr 20 minute drive from Boulder.
The Continental Divide Trail
Most of the Herman Gulch Trail follows along the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), or more formally known as the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST). The CDT was established by Congress in 1978 and is 3,100 miles long, tracing a path from Mexico to Canada. It passes through various types of ecosystems and is considered one of the greatest long-distance trails in the world.
The Hike
The hike is relatively straightforward. Soon after starting to hike from the parking lot, you turn onto Herman Gulch Trail and continue all the way up to Herman Lake.
Parking Lot
The parking lot is large, probably with enough room for 100 cars. There are porta-potties at the entrance.
Starting Out
We started our hike just as the sun was rising, hitting the peaks with a warm glow.
The first half mile or so climbs up with views of the mountains across the highway, but lacks solitude because you can hear cars passing by.
Meadow Views
As you get further along the trail, about a mile in, you hike through patches of meadow with lovely views of the mountains.
And a rocky mountain on your right –
View of the mountains between the trees from the edge of a large meadow –
Walking through the large meadow, you start to see the Continental Divide mountains –
Closeup of Pettingell Peak (13,553′) –
Hiking in the Forest
After the meadow, you high through a Douglas fir forest for a while.
As the morning continued on, from about 8 am, the trail became highly trafficked.
The Approach to Herman Lake
The views of the Continental Divide mountains as you approach Herman Lake surround you. It is quite something to behold.
As you climb higher, you see great views of the valley below –
On the way up, you pass by the turnoff to continue on the Continental Divide Trail to the right, but continue along Herman Gulch Trail –
And closer to the lake, it looks like you are hiking directly to the Citadel (13,294′) –
Herman Lake
You can stop at Herman Lake, or go a bit further for even better views of Herman Gulch. Herman Lake is located at practically 12,000′ elevation (11,987′ to be exact).
Herman Lake, with Pettingell Peak behind it –
Of the alpine lakes we’ve been to, Herman Lake is one of the less photogenic spots. It’s more a place to sit back and enjoy the scenery.
When we got to the lake around 10 am it was already busy, and there were no spots by the lake where we could get good solitude, so we perched on a rock in the meadow nearby to eat our sandwiches and make some instant coffee. It was cold and windy up by the lake, so the hot beverages were satisfying to drink.
Herman Gulch
If you follow the trail beyond the lake a bit, you can take in some wonderful views of Herman Gulch –
And get a closer view of the Citadel –
Telephoto lens closeup –
Recommended as an Easy Hike
A relatively easy, and even family-friendly hike, Herman Gulch Trail provides a range of jaw-dropping views of the Continental Divide mountains. The beauty of the area is well known, leading to high traffic on the trail, but it is definitely a place that is worth going to see.