About this campground
Beginning at Nast (Horseshoe Bend), the trail is a fairly easy climb and parallels the Fryingpan River for nine miles until it reaches the lakes. The trail may be shortened by taking road #505 and hiking the remaining four miles. This trail passes in and out of conifer forests and high meadows. There is a stream crossing about 2 1/2 miles before the lakes, so bring extra socks.
Getting there
From Carbondale travel east on Hwy 82 to Basalt. Turn left at the stoplight and travel 32 miles up the Fryingpan River. When the pavement ends, take a right onto road #505, past Horseshoe Bend Guest Ranch, and follow road #505 until it dead-ends. The trailhead is above the water diversion structure. Another route to the lakes (the longer one) is to take the Horseshoe Bend Guest Ranch road. Public parking is provided at the bulletin board just across the bridge. Hike up the road to the beginning of the trail.
Activities
- HORSEBACK RIDING
Nearby federal campgrounds
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Fryingpan Lakes #1921 doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Colorado campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.
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