Gilpin Lake Loop

This difficult ~10.5 mile loop’s highlight is Gilpin Lake, named for Governor William Gilpin, is one of the most popular destinations within the Mount Zirkel Wilderness. It offers a 29 acres of blue alpine lake of magnificent beauty and views of the nearby Sawtooth Range. The trail winds through thick forests of conifer trees, wildflower meadows and avalanche paths following Gilpin Creek most of the way up to the lake. Gold Creek lake, another scenic lake is also found on the loop.