Colorado's Hidden Trails Treasure: Lake Emma Review - An Enthralling Adventure in the Rockies
Heading off the beaten path just south of Alma, you'll find a rugged, scenic route leading to Kite Lake, home to multiple trailheads such as Lake Emma and the Decalibron. While the Decalibron Loop is a challenging, extended hike, Lake Emma offers a shorter, more approachable option, still delivering stunning views and an alpine lake experience.
Trail Statistics
- Type: Out-and-back
- Distance: approximately 2 miles
- Elevation gain: around 700ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Features: Alpine lake, mining remnants, mountain views
Hiking Lake Emma
The Lake Emma trail is perfect for those seeking a relatively straightforward adventure. The path is well-established, making it easy to follow, although watch for the occasional social trail. As you ascend the trail, don't forget to turn around and admire the breathtaking views of the valley below. You'll encounter several collapsed mine entrances with geological markers and some barred-over mine vent shafts along the way. Once at the lake, take a moment to appreciate the crystal-clear waters and the picture-perfect scenery before making your descent.
Getting There
From Breckenridge, take Hwy 9 south towards Alma for roughly 15.5 miles. Upon reaching Alma, turn right onto County Road 8/Buckskin Rd. Continue on this dirt road for about 5.5 miles. As you draw nearer to the trailhead, the road gets rockier, so keep in mind your vehicle's clearance and capabilities. If you reach a point where you feel unable to proceed, pull to the side and park as far off the road as possible, then continue on foot. Most vehicles should have no trouble reaching the trailhead. Near the main parking area, you'll find a vault toilet on the left, with the beginning of the Lake Emma trail located just beyond it on the opposite side. Be sure to avoid the trail to the right of the parking area, as that leads to the much more strenuous Decalibron Loop.
The Verdict
A modest elevation gain over a short distance lends a moderate rating to this trail, although certain steep sections may pose challenges for a few hikers. Still, the Lake Emma trail remains a manageable option for many, given its impressive vistas and high-altitude setting. Since the trail is above 12,000ft, acclimating to the altitude beforehand and taking your time are essential to preventing altitude sickness.
Other Hikes
For more exhilarating trails in the Breckenridge region, consider checking out the Blue Lakes, Hoosier Pass, and Crystal Lake (easy to moderate), McCullough Gulch (moderate), Mohawk Lakes (moderate), and Quandary Peak (difficult).
If you've enjoyed hiking Lake Emma and are looking for more easy to moderate trails in the Breckenridge area, here are some top-notch options with scenic views, reasonable distances, and mild terrain.
Recommended Easy to Moderate Hikes Near Breckenridge
- Sawmill Reservoir Trail (Breckenridge) - A 1.3-mile loop offering a peaceful lake surrounded by pine forests, ideal for beginners or those seeking a quick escape.
- Iowa Hill Mine Trail (Breckenridge) - A 1.5-mile out-and-back trail featuring old mining equipment and interpretive signs, offering a blend of history and nature.
- Rainbow Lake/Peaks Trail (Frisco, near Breckenridge) - A relatively easy, 1.6-mile trail leading to Rainbow Lake, open year-round and popular for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing.
- Frisco Peninsula Recreation Area Trails - Combining a variety of easy paths with stunning lake views, making it ideal for leisurely walks or bike rides.
- Lily Pad Lake Trail - With a distance of roughly 3.3 miles, this moderately challenging forest trail provides opportunities to spot wildlife, plus the chance to enjoy lily pads at a mountain lake.
- Illinois Creek Trail (Breckenridge) - A quick, easy loop located near town, with minimal elevation gain.
[1] https://52hikes.com/colorado/breckenridge/sawmill-reservoir-trail/[2] https://www.breckenridgemagazine.com/2019/05/14/top-family-bike-rides-in-breckenridge-colorado/[3] https://www.summitdaily.com/outdoors/frisco-peninsula-lake-trail-family-biking-frisco-colorado/[4] https://www.summitdaily.com/outdoors/hiking-illo-creek-trail-breckenridge-colorado/[5] https://www.summitdaily.com/outdoors/mohawk-lakes-trailhead-spruce-creek-colorado/
The Lake Emma trail, situated near Kite Lake and Lake Emma trailheads, offers a moderate hiking experience with stunning alpine views and mining remnants. For an easier hike with a picturesque lake and pine forests, consider the Sawmill Reservoir Trail in Breckenridge.
If you're looking for more manageable hiking options in the Breckenridge area, exploration of the Sawmill Reservoir Trail, Iowa Hill Mine Trail, Rainbow Lake/Peaks Trail, Frisco Peninsula Recreation Area Trails, Lily Pad Lake Trail, and Illinois Creek Trail could provide scenic vistas and reasonable distances.
