Gibson Lake

This is an out and back hiking trip, and may involve walking across snow, scree, loose rocks and in some sections, steep trails. Trekking poles are suggested. 

As a lake fishing trip, you can fly fish from shore or wade in shallow sections of the lake.  In previous years cutthroat and brook trout (char) were landed and released on dry flies and nymphs.  This is a high elevation hike, the trailhead is accessed via a 4WD road and a stream crossing. 

The Gibson Lake Trailhead provides access to the Gibson Lake Trail, which travels in a westerly direction up the Lake Fork drainage to scenic Gibson Lake. Just below the parking area, you will cross a small stream. From that point until you reach treeline, the stream drainage will be to the left (south) of the trail as you ascend. At about 1 ¾ miles, the trail reaches a fork. Bear left at this trail junction (the right fork is an unmarked trail leading up to the Continental Divide). At about 2 miles, you will be at treeline. Shortly thereafter the trail makes three major stream crossings. After the third crossing, the trail bears southwest through willows and tundra up to the shelf on which Gibson Lake is located. Tundra flowers are in abundance in mid-summer. At the south end of the lake, there is a long, ribbon-like waterfall draining into Gibson Lake from a small lake above Gibson. Although open year-round, access during the winter may be limited due to snow.

• Suitable Activities: Fly Fishing, Hiking
• Seasons: July, August, September
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Length: 7.3 mi
• Elevation Gain: 2,000 ft

• Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
  South Platte Ranger District (PSINF)
• Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
• Recommended Party Size: 8
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12