Dave Spates

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Lion Lake #2 in Wild Basin of Rocky Mountain National Park

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Lion Lake #2 is most accessible from the Wild Basin Trailhead, located in Rocky Mountain National Park, Allenspark, Colorado. For more information on the overall hike to Lion Lake #2 check out Emilys post on hiking to 6 lakes in the northwest of the Wild Basin.

Video of our Day Hike to Lion Lakes, Snowbank Lake and more

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Water ripples from the north shore of Lion Lake #2 and Mount Alice
Water ripples from the north shore of Lion Lake #2 and Mount Alice

Lion Lake #2 is a circular high elevation lake whose shoreline consists of boulders, snowfields, and a small cascades. Parts of the shore are pebbled and can make for amazing photographic foregrounds. The north side of Lion Lake #2 is abundant in boulders that extend slightly into the lake, with views of Mt Alice.

Getting to Lion Lake #2

Small snowfield and Chiefs head Peak with Lion Lake number 2 in the middle
Small snowfield and Chiefs head Peak with Lion Lake number 2 in the middle

From the Wild Basin Trailhead, follow the trail up to Lion Lake #1. Getting to Lion Lake #2 from the north side of Lion Lake #1 is a .4 mile trek with 340 feet of elevation gain.

Views from the north shore of lion lake #2 and Mount Alice
Views from the north shore of lion lake #2 and Mount Alice

If you made the hike to Lion Lake #1 and the weather and time are looking good, head on up to Lion Lake #2. Head towards Trio Falls, and optionally stay to the south following dispersed cairns and a faint trail to reach Lion Lake #2. To make things more challenging, climb up the north side of Trio Falls. Please note there are some minor class 2-3 climbing moves to ascend the falls and ice and snow will make this more difficult.

Lion Lake number 2 looking at Mount Alice
Lion Lake number 2 looking at Mount Alice

The scenery between the two lakes is amazing. Summer time it will be covered in wildflowers with several small cascades from St Vrains Creek. Snowbank Lake sits above Lion Lake #2, and is only another .3 miles with 100 feet of elevation gain to reach this destination.

Tips to reach Lion Lake #2

  • Start early as this is a long hike that covers lots of mileage and elevation gain.
  • The lake is above treeline so you are completely exposed to the weather elements. Summer afternoon thunderstorms are common and recommended to be below treeline before they roll in.
  • Icy, snowy conditions can last well into summer and begin again late summer. Check weather forecasts before hiking. Contacting Rocky Mountain National Park rangers may also have valuable information for current conditions.