Rampart Lakes Backdoor

Take this alternative approach to Rampart Lakes that shaves off some miles while adding a little adventure!

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the semi-official much of this trail is rough and haphazardly scraped into the mountainside. From the parking area, the trail climbs steeply upward, following Rocky Run Creek up-slope. After 0.6 miles of climbing, the trail briefly plateaus and a spur leads down the few hundred yards to little Lake Laura, well worth a quick visit though the thickly wooded lake offers little in the way of longer views.

The main trail continues up another 0.1 mile to connect with the Lake Lillian Trail the path quickly connects with the Lake Lillian Trail #1332. Once you connect to the trail, continue upward to Lake Lillian. From the shore, a path continues round the lake to the right, crossing exposed rock before dropping back down to the shore and working its way up a steep avalanche chute. Traverse the ridge angling slightly downward as you go. Keep right at an unsigned junction and drop down through scree and talus to the lakeshore, 2.2 miles from the trailhead.

There's a lot more to Rampart Lakes Backdoor, and you can learn all about it in Alpine Lakes Wilderness: The Complete Hiking Guide. You'll find a trail map, route descriptions, history, and more for this and many other hikes throughout the State. Help support hikingwithmybrother.com and the work we do by picking up a copy!