Are dogs allowed on Avalanche Lake Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Avalanche Lake Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Avalanche Lake Trail?

No, Avalanche Lake Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Avalanche Lake Trail?

Avalanche Lake Trail is rated expert. It is 19.8 miles long with 5,102 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Is Avalanche Lake Trail suitable for kids?

Avalanche Lake Trail is not typically recommended for young children due to length, exposure, or technical terrain. Older kids with hiking experience may be fine — use your judgment based on your family's comfort level.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Colorado trail conditions

ExpertOut and Back

Colorado

Avalanche Lake Trail

Carbondale, Colorado

19.8 mi

Distance

5,102 ft

Elev. Gain

8h 47m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Expert

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

A good backpacking hike with access to the Hell Roaring Trail, East Creek Trail, West Fork Trail and Capitol Lake. This area is popular with horseback riders, hikers and backpackers. The trail begins from the parking lot and ascends through aspen reaching the intersection with the Hell Roaring Trail in 2 1/2 miles. Keep straight, the trail will cross Hell Roaring Creek and then descend toward Avalanche Creek. At the 5 mile point it crosses a meadow called Duley Park. The trail continues through aspen and reaches an intersection with the East Creek Trail about 7 miles from the start. Keep straight, the trail ascends, steeply in parts, to the intersection with Capitol Creek Trail at about 10 1/4 miles. Bear right to Avalanche Lake.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:2,246 ft

Max:3,289 ft

1,555 ft

Trail Details

Dogs on leash

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

Reviews

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Hunt context