Lost Man Lake is an alpine lake in Pitkin County, Colorado, United States, located high in the Sawatch Range in the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness of White River National Forest. The lake is accessible via the Lost Man Loop Trail from State Highway 82 west of Independence Pass. The lake is over a pass and north of Independence Lake and northeast of Geissler Mountain.[1][2] Lost Man Lake is larger than Independence, but only its east side is open. The trail continues by the lake into high alpine meadows in the upper valley, and to its west terminus at Lost Man Campground. Views down Lost Man Creek valley are worth a look, and a great place to scan high slopes and ridges for mountain goats, bighorn sheep and elk.

Lost Man Lake
Lost Man Lake
Location of Lost Man Lake in Colorado, USA.
Location of Lost Man Lake in Colorado, USA.
Lost Man Lake
Location of Lost Man Lake in Colorado, USA.
Location of Lost Man Lake in Colorado, USA.
Lost Man Lake
LocationPitkin County, Colorado, United States
Coordinates39°09′13″N 106°34′09″W / 39.153537°N 106.569056°W / 39.153537; -106.569056
TypeGlacial
Primary outflowsLost Man Creek
Basin countriesUnited States
Max. length0.23 mi (0.37 km)
Max. width0.13 mi (0.21 km)
Surface elevation12,457 ft (3,797 m)

It is a moderate half day hike. Depending on snowpack and weather, the lake may still be frozen in July.

References

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  1. ^ "Lost Man Lake". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved August 21, 2012.
  2. ^ Aspen/Independence Pass 127 (Map) (2005 ed.). Trails Illustrated. National Geographic Society. 1984.