Lost Man Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lost Man Lake |
|
|---|---|
Lost Man Lake
|
|
 Lost Man Lake
Location in Colorado
Lost Man Lake
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Pitkin County, Colorado, United States |
| Coordinates | 39°09′13″N 106°34′09″W / 39.153537°N 106.569056°W |
| Type | Glacial |
| Primary outflows | Lost Man Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 0.23 mi (0.37 km) |
| Max. width | 0.13 mi (0.21 km) |
| Surface elevation | 12,457 ft (3,797 m) |
Lost Man Lake is a beautiful alpine lake found high up in the mountains of Colorado, United States. It's located in Pitkin County, nestled within the Sawatch Range. This amazing lake is part of the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness area, which is inside the huge White River National Forest.
Discovering Lost Man Lake
Lost Man Lake is a special kind of lake called a glacial lake. This means it was formed by glaciers moving and shaping the land long, long ago. It sits at a very high elevation, about 12,457 ft (3,797 m) above sea level! That's almost two and a half miles up!
The lake is bigger than a nearby lake called Independence Lake. However, only its eastern side is easily open for visitors. From the lake, you can see incredible views down the Lost Man Creek valley. This area is a fantastic spot to look for wild animals like mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and elk.
Getting There: The Lost Man Loop Trail
You can reach Lost Man Lake by hiking the Lost Man Loop Trail. This trail starts from State Highway 82, which is west of a famous mountain pass called Independence Pass.
The trail goes past the lake and continues into wide, open alpine meadows. These meadows are high up in the valley. The trail eventually ends at the Lost Man Campground. It's a great way to explore the wilderness.
Hiking Tips for Your Adventure
Hiking to Lost Man Lake is considered a moderate hike. It usually takes about half a day to complete. Because it's so high up in the mountains, the weather can be unpredictable.
Sometimes, even in July, the lake might still be frozen! This depends on how much snowpack there was during the winter. Always check the weather and trail conditions before you go.
