Cub Lake Trail

Frommer's Review

An excellent choice for hikers who want to see a wide variety of wildlife and wildflowers, this trail wanders through several different habitats over its relatively short distance. From the trail head, you first cross a bridge over a branch of the Big Thompson River, passing beaver ponds and a marshy meadow under the shade of willows and thinleaf alder. As you continue, you'll see evidence of passing elk and, if the season's right, a tremendous variety of wildflowers, including shooting stars and chimingbells. The trail passes through a wood of Douglas fir and ponderosa pine and fields of glacially carved boulders, where you might glimpse yellow-bellied marmots. There's a relatively steep but shady climb, and suddenly you're at Cub Lake, where you'll likely be greeted by ducks. In summer the lake is usually covered with yellow pond lilies, which produce a wonderful foreground for a photo of 12,926-feet Stones Peak, best shot from the lake's eastern shore. The starting elevation is 8,080 feet, and the trail has an elevation gain of 540 feet.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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