Kelly Lake

Kelly Lake is a beautiful lake and basin in the central part of State Forest State Park, maybe the most beautiful. It is ~14 miles roundtrip hike with ~2,300 feet of elevation gain that shares most of the hike with the Clear Lake trail. At just over 3 miles the trail leaves the road and begins to climb its valley. This junction is clearly marked.

Most of this section of the hike is pleasant, going between great views of the surrounding peaks and Aspen forests. It does also have multiple creek crossings and can be quite wet in the early part of the summer.

After ~3 miles on this section of the trail you enter a meadow. Most of the summer this is filled with wildflowers blooming below the rugged slopes and mountains surrounding you. At the end of this meadow it does get much steeper. This steep section lasts less than .5 miles but you will feel it. The reward for getting through this section is being at Kelly Lake. Take in the views, grab a lunch, catch a few cutthroat trout, and enjoy your hard earned prize.

Backpacking: There are three designated campsites at the lake that are first come, first serve. They have fire rings, which are the ONLY places fires allowed in the backcountry. If you follow the rules (check with the park for minimum distances away from trails/streams/lakes), you are allowed to camp other places along the trail but fires are NOT allowed.