Backpacking RMNP - Lawn Lake
- Kristen Hodges
- Aug 18, 2018
- 2 min read
August 18, 2018 - Lawn Lake, Estes Park, CO 80517
Austin and I chose Lawn Lake for one of our Sumer 2018 backpacking trips because of the great reviews we read online about it. This hike is a moderate hike of about 12 miles with an elevation gain of just over 2,500 ft. This hike is also accessed through the main entrance to RMNP, so make sure to allow yourself time to look for or wait for parking, or get there early. Most of the hike is through a forest along a river cut deep into the earth. There are plenty of beautiful places to stop along the way for a break or for lunch. We were also lucky enough to run into a cow moose and her baby just a few yards off the trail. Towards the top, the river turns more into a creek that slowly leaks from the lake. We reserved a campsite location near the top of the lake, and we were lucky enough to score one with a view of the lake from above. There were a few other campers and hikers that we saw, but it was mostly solitary and peaceful at the summit. We fished in the lake but didn’t catch much, I don’t even think we saw any fish - but it was something to do. There was also a pit toilet at this site, which isn’t common for Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes, and it was a very unique experience indeed!
The night was windy with a chill, but our site was pretty protected. We had short storm roll in, but it ended up being mostly light rain, and it was mostly dry by morning. The hike back was quiet and we didn’t pass anyone the whole time.
I enjoyed this backpacking trip, but I admit I enjoyed others in RMNP more than this one.
Lessons Learned: you can check online which lakes and reservoirs are stocked and/or have fish - you may not want to haul your gear up a mountain if there’s not much to catch on your way to or at your destination!
Pro Tips: be careful when you encounter momma moose with her babies as they can be very aggressive and even violent. Do not approach them, give them plenty of space and observe with respect!
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