3-Day: Lawn Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park

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The Lawn Lake Trail heads north from the Lawn Lake TH, off of Hwy 34 and Endovalley/Fall River Rd.  It follows along the east side of the Roaring River.  Several backcountry campsites can be reached from this trail, on the way to the lake and on the north side of the lake, below Mummy Mountain (13,425').  Wildlife includes moose, elk, deer, bears, marmots and smaller mammals. 

Along the trail, you'll notice some dramatic damage from the 2013 flood as portions of the banks of the Roaring River were stripped away and carried down to the alluvial fan in Horseshoe Park.

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for a 3-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members.

Day 1: Hike up the Lower Lawn Lake Trail 5.25 miles to an intersection with the Upper Black Canyon Trail.  Stay left and continue up the Upper Lawn Lake Trail to the lake.  (TOTAL 6.2 miles / +2,450'). Set up camp in your reserved designated site north of the lake for 2 nights.

Maps: Lower Lawn Lake Tr, Upper Lawn Lake Tr

Day 2: Day hikes to explore the area - there are many options:  Mummy Mtn, Fairchild Mtn, Hagues Peak (all above 13,000'), Crystal Lake, etc.

Day 3: Break camp, making sure to leave the campsite better than you found it, and hike back to the Lawn Lake TH (6.2 miles with a descent of 2,450'.)

This route can also be done as a two-day trip without an extra night at the lake.

Notes:

1. All reservations for summer season RMNP backpacking wilderness camping trips must be booked via www.recreation.gov.  Reservations for all summer backpacking permits open on March 1 at 8:00 a.m. MT.  Most sites get reserved very quickly.  Plan ahead!
   RMNP Wilderness Camping Guide
2. Number of sites at Lawn Lake: 4 individual; 1 stock
   
3. RMNP requires bear canisters. Yes, the Rangers do check. There are stiff fines for noncompliance!

• Suitable Activities: Backpacking, Hiking, Mountaineering
• Snowshoeing Category: Intermediate
• Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Challenging
• Length: 12.4 mi
• Elevation Gain: 2,450 ft
• High Point: 10,990 ft

• Land Manager: National Park Service
  Rocky Mountain National Park Wilderness Area
• Parking Permit Required: National Park Entrance Fees
• Recommended Party Size: 7
• Maximum Party Size: 7
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 7