Woods Lake

Woods Lake is an 8.9-mile out-and-back trail located in Colorado near the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest's Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District. The route climbs 2,436 feet of elevation gain, making it a moderately strenuous hike suitable for those with solid cardiovascular fitness. This trail takes hikers through the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears area, offering access to alpine scenery typical of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. The destination lake provides a natural turnaround point for the out-and-back format, making it approximately 4.5 miles to reach the lake from the trailhead. The substantial elevation gain means hikers should be prepared for a challenging ascent, particularly if visiting at higher elevations where the terrain can be steep. The national forest setting provides a genuine backcountry experience with typical high-country conditions. This trail is managed by the USDA Forest Service through the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District, ensuring maintenance and adherence to forest regulations. It's an ideal destination for hikers seeking a rewarding alpine lake experience in the northern Colorado Rockies.