Recreation area

Lyle/Morman Lake #1919

Colorado — managed by USDA Forest Service

Open recreation area — no reservation needed

About this campground

If you decide to go on this hike, it is one of the most scenic in the Fryingpan River area. The trail goes through acres of broad valleys and scattered trees for the first 1.5 miles to Lyle Lake. About 300 feet above and 1/4 of a mile further than Lyle Lake is a tarn (a small lake) one might want to explore before going on to Mormon Lake. Once getting to Lyle Lake you have two choices on how to get to Mormon Lake; the path to the right is shorter, but involves crossing a small boulder field. Follow the trail over the crest and get ready for a gentle traverse. You will climb until wall at the valley's head to a grassy vale, pass a tarn on your left, veering left and you then will be able to see Mormon Lake 80 feet below.

Getting there

From Carbondale travel east on Hwy 82 to Basalt. Turn left at the stoplight and travel 33 miles until the pavement ends, bear left and go 10 more miles until you come to a sign pointing to Hagerman Pass. Turn left onto road #105 for 100 feet. Park at the bulletin board.

Activities

  • HIKING
  • HORSEBACK RIDING

Nearby federal campgrounds

Explore more Colorado camping

Lyle/Morman Lake #1919 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.