Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.8 miles
Closest Town: Salida
Directions: From Salida, take US-50 W/W Rainbow Rd for 3.9 miles to Poncha Springs and turn right to continue onto US-50 W. Drive 12.8 miles and turn right onto Forest Rd (FR) 230. You will pass a snowmobile rental shop and find the trailhead parking just beyond that. It is possible to drive the first 1.5 miles up FR 230, however, a high clearance or off-road vehicle is highly recommended. Most hikers choose to start at the lower parking area.
Maps:
USGS 7.5 Quadrangle: Garfield; CDTC Mapset: Map 157, Section CO19.
For More Information:
San Isabel National Forest, Salida Ranger District: (719)-539-3591.
This hike starts with a moderately graded walk up Forest Road 230. Depending on the season, you will get views of the mountains above the lake through the trees as you ascend towards the Hunt Lake Trail for the first 1.4 miles. Turn left onto Hunt Lake Trail, which overlaps with both the CDT and the Colorado Trail all the way to Boss Lake Reservoir. The remaining mile up to the reservoir is steep, but includes a few sections of relatively flat terrain to give you a break. Enjoy the beautiful views at the reservoir and if you want, continue on the trail past the dam and across the bridge to reach a high point on the east side of the reservoir.
