Meredith, Colorado · Pitkin County · Facility
Beginning at Nast (Horseshoe Bend), the trail is a fairly easy climb and parallels the Fryingpan River for nine miles until it reaches the lakes. The trail may be shortened by taking road #505 and hiking the remaining four miles. This trail passes in and out of conifer forests and high meadows. There is a stream crossi…
Live forecast for the park. Plan your visit accordingly.
Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.
Beginning at Nast (Horseshoe Bend), the trail is a fairly easy climb and parallels the Fryingpan River for nine miles until it reaches the lakes. The trail may be shortened by taking road #505 and hiking the remaining four miles. This trail passes in and out of conifer forests and high meadows. There is a stream crossing about 2 1/2 miles before the lakes, so bring extra socks.
From Carbondale travel east on Hwy 82 to Basalt. Turn left at the stoplight and travel 32 miles up the Fryingpan River. When the pavement ends, take a right onto road #505, past Horseshoe Bend Guest Ranch, and follow road #505 until it dead-ends. The trailhead is above the water diversion structure. Another route to the lakes (the longer one) is to take the Horseshoe Bend Guest Ranch road. Public parking is provided at the bulletin board just across the bridge. Hike up the road to the beginning of the trail.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Heading to Fryingpan Lakes #1921? A few things to know before you go:
Photo: Sergei AkulichColorado's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.
Photo: Sergei AkulichSteep is hard. These are the ten Colorado trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.
Photo: Joshua EarleTen gentle, well-marked Colorado trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.
Photo: Joshua EarleColorado's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.
Photo: Joshua EarleFederal parks and recreation areas in Colorado ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.
Photo: Joshua EarleColorado's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.