Contact Info
- Phone:
- 575-773-4678
Basics
- Length:
- 1.5 miles
- Difficulty:
- Intermediate
- Time:
- 1 to 1-1/2 hrs
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 7860 feet
- Elevation Range:
- 7860 feet to 8305 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 445 feet
- Usage:
- Moderate
- Season:
- Spring to Fall
Description
The trail leads through stands of ponderosa pines. The trail dead-ends at a rock outcrop overlooking the lake. A bench along the trail is available for resting and lake viewing. From the overlook, panoramic views of El Caso Peak, Castle Rock, and Quemado Lake provide excellent photographic opportunities. The trail connects to two additional trails that access El Caso Lookout and Sawmill Canyon for extended hiking. Many birds inhabit the area. Additional activities in the area include fishing and boating (restricted to oars and electric motors) on Quemado Lake.
High elevation trail to lake overlook.
Black bears and snakes occur in the area.
Details
Length:
Difficulty:
Time:
Trailhead Elevation:
Elevation Range:
Elevation Change:
Usage:
Season:
Useful Map(s):
Additional Details:
Portions of the trail are steep. Vault toilets are available in the lake parking area and campgrounds on the north side of the lake.
Quemado (20 miles) provides gas stations, food, and motels. Snuffy''s Store and Restaurant near Quemado Lake provides gas, food, bait, and showers on a seasonal basis.
No water is available on the trail. Potable water is available in the Cove Campground from May 1 to September 30.
Campgrounds at Quemado Lake are available. Juniper Campground open from May to October offers 18 RV spaces with water and electrical hookups for $15/day and 18 single-family sites for $10/day. Pinon Campground open from May to October offers 23 single-family sites for $6/day. Reservations are taken for 2 group sites at Pinon for $35/day for a 30-person site or $55/day for a 75-person site. Juniper and Pinon are open from May 1 to September 30. Free primitive camping with vault toilets is available in the Cove and El Caso Campgrounds. Fishing is allowed in the lake. Swimming is not permitted in the lake. Boat use is restricted to oars or electric motors.
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
From Quemado travel west on Hwy 60 for 0.5 mile. Turn south on Hwy 32 and travel 16 miles to Hwy 103. Follow Hwy 103 for 4 miles to Forest Road 13. Park at the parking area. Cross spillway and hike Lakeshore Trail for 0.5 mile to Overlook trailhead.
