Recreation area

Lower Cataract Lake Loop #57

Colorado — managed by USDA Forest Service

Open recreation area — no reservation needed

About this campground

This is a loop trail in the Eagles Nest Wilderness which can be hiked in either direction. From the trailhead, you will have a view of Cataract Falls in the distance across the lake. The trail passes through beautiful meadows and there is an abundance of wildflowers in mid to late June. This is a great hike for families and has beautiful lake, mountain and meadow scenery along the way. * There is a printable Recreation Quicksheet for this trail which is complete with directions, a map, details, and other information about this trail. Or to see quicksheets for other recreation areas across the Forest, click on the "Recreation Quicksheets" link in the right column and select the appropriate Ranger District.

Getting there

From I-70 take Exit 205, Silverthorne/Dillon, and travel north on HWY 9. Travel 16 miles north on HWY 9. Just after mile marker 118 turn left onto Heeney Road (County Rd 30). Follow Heeney Road for 5.3 miles and turn left onto Cataract Creek Road (FDR 1725). Continue for 2.5 miles to the Lower Cataract Trailhead and parking area at the end of the road. Please do not block the gate.

Activities

  • PICNICKING
  • FISHING
  • HIKING

Nearby federal campgrounds

Explore more Colorado camping

Lower Cataract Lake Loop #57 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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Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.