In the Denver metro area, we are lucky to have several wilderness areas nearby — Indian Peaks, Mount Evans, Lost Creek and James Peak. The James Peak Wilderness protects 15 lakes and more than 20 miles of pristine, backcountry trail.
The Crater Lakes area features five lakes, three lower ones and two higher ones, all just below the Continental Divide.
The hike starts at the East Portal of the Moffat Tunnel. That’s a mouthful, but the trailhead is actually next to a railroad tunnel that goes through the divide to Winter Park ski resort and beyond. While the parking lot is huge, it fills quickly on summer weekends. And if you park illegally, you will get a ticket. There are bathrooms at the trailhead, but because of the popularity of this area, you may want to bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer…