Silver Dollar Lake Trail
A stunning moderate hike in Arapaho National Forest, featuring three alpine lakes and breathtaking mountain vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, fewer crowds
Silver Dollar Lake Trail
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning moderate hike in Arapaho National Forest, featuring three alpine lakes and breathtaking mountain vistas.
"The views once you reach the upper areas are incredible. The scenery gets better the higher you climb."
🚗 Park Smart
Use the lower parking area if the main lot is full; it adds only 15 mins to your hike. Don't park on the narrow road.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Rocky, uneven, and potentially slippery sections require good hiking boots.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 131 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Silver Dollar Lake
Mid-point of the trail
A stunning alpine lake nestled beneath Square Top Mountain, offering breathtaking reflections.
Murray Lake
Summit of the trail
The highest of the three lakes, providing expansive panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
Wildflower Displays
Along the trail
In July, the meadows burst with vibrant wildflowers, adding a splash of color to the alpine scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Conditions & Gear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park Smart
Use the lower parking area if the main lot is full; it adds only 15 mins to your hike. Don't park on the narrow road.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Rocky, uneven, and potentially slippery sections require good hiking boots.
☀️ Watch the Weather
Afternoon storms are common. Start early to avoid them and enjoy clearer skies.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery gets better with elevation. Allow time for photos at each lake.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park Smart
Use the lower parking area if the main lot is full; it adds only 15 mins to your hike. Don't park on the narrow road.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Rocky, uneven, and potentially slippery sections require good hiking boots.
☀️ Watch the Weather
Afternoon storms are common. Start early to avoid them and enjoy clearer skies.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery gets better with elevation. Allow time for photos at each lake.
🌸 Peak Wildflower Season
July is prime time for vibrant wildflowers along the trail.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Silver Dollar Lake Trail for its stunning alpine scenery, featuring three beautiful lakes and impressive mountain backdrops. The moderate difficulty and manageable length make it accessible for many, with wildflowers adding extra charm in summer. While parking can be challenging and trail conditions vary, the rewarding views make it a highly recommended hike.
"Silver Dollar Lake Trail is a moderate hike, though it can feel moderate to difficult depending on trail conditions, especially if there’s snow. Parts of the trail can be rocky, uneven, and a bit slippery, so good footwear is definitely recommended.
But the effort is totally worth it.
The views once you reach the upper areas are incredible. You get to see Naylor Lake, Silver Dollar Lake, and Murray Lake, and all three are absolutely breathtaking. The scenery gets better the higher you climb, and by the time you reach that last lake near the summit, the landscape opens up into something truly beautiful.
This trail gives you a perfect mix of challenge and reward, and the alpine views make every step worth it. If you’re prepared for changing conditions and a bit of elevation, this hike is a must."
Raff Anthony
"I would honestly rate this easy-moderate. Might be a little much for someone who hasn’t really hiked before but for someone who just does it once in a while it is very, very doable, not strenuous.
It’s a little less than 5 miles round-trip and the elevation gain is gradual. The wildflowers were gorgeous and plentiful this time of year! I even saw a marmot!!!"
Ashley B
"Took just about three hours to compete with time for snacks and pictures. It is pretty, not overly crowded and just challenging enough to feel like you put in some effort. We found a parking spot at the trailhead, do not park on the road leading up to the trailhead it is too narrow and hard to get around cars. There is plenty of parking in the lower area it will add at 15 minutes to your hike. Lastly for reference we went on a Saturday around 2pm. Not great for afternoon storms but the weather held out for us."
Amanda K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Silver Dollar Lake Trail is about an hour's drive from Denver, located off Guanella Pass Road near Georgetown. It's a scenic drive, but be aware of potential traffic, especially on weekends.
Guanella Pass Road is typically open from late May through October, weather permitting. It's best to check road conditions before your visit, especially in spring and fall.
While the main road is paved, the trailhead parking can be rough. A vehicle with higher clearance is recommended, but many sedans can make it if they drive carefully. If your car isn't suited for off-road, park at the paved road end and walk up.
Public transportation options are very limited for reaching trailheads in the Arapaho National Forest. Driving is the most practical way to access the Silver Dollar Lake Trail.
Silver Dollar Lake Trail is approximately a 50-minute to 1-hour drive from Central City, making it a feasible day trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Currently, no specific permits or reservations are required for the Silver Dollar Lake Trail itself. However, parking can be competitive, so arriving early is advised.
The trail is accessible during daylight hours. There are no official operating hours, but it's best to hike during safe daylight conditions.
There is no entrance fee to access the Silver Dollar Lake Trail. Parking is also free, though it can fill up quickly.
Hiking in winter is possible but requires snowshoes or microspikes and significant winter hiking experience due to deep snow and avalanche risk. Conditions can be treacherous.
No booking is necessary. The best strategy is to plan your visit for an early morning or weekday to avoid crowds and secure parking.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The trail is generally considered moderate, with about 4 miles round-trip and over 1,000 feet of elevation gain. It can feel more challenging depending on trail conditions like snow or rocky terrain.
Most hikers complete the trail in about 3 hours, including time for breaks, snacks, and photos.
The trail features three beautiful alpine lakes: Naylor Lake, Silver Dollar Lake, and Murray Lake. You'll also encounter stunning mountain vistas and, in summer, abundant wildflowers.
Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the Silver Dollar Lake Trail, but they must be kept on a leash. Always clean up after your pet.
Pack layers of clothing, water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and sturdy hiking boots. Trekking poles can be helpful for stability on uneven terrain.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The reflections at Silver Dollar Lake are iconic, especially with Square Top Mountain in the background. Murray Lake offers expansive panoramic shots. Don't miss the wildflower fields in summer.
Early morning offers softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing reflections. Late afternoon can also provide beautiful golden hour light.
Drone usage is restricted in many national forests. Always check current regulations for the Arapaho National Forest before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can capture distant peaks and wildlife. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the sky and water.
Keep an eye out for wildlife like marmots or pikas. The changing light on the mountains throughout the day offers dynamic photographic opportunities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit