Fryingpan Lakes #1921

Facility · Colorado ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

White River National Forest (NF) · Open Access

9,983 ft
Elevation

Beginning at Nast (Horseshoe Bend), the trail is a fairly easy climb and parallels the Fryingpan River for nine miles until it reaches the lakes. The trail may be shortened by taking road #505 and hiking the remaining four miles. This trail passes in and out of conifer forests and high meadows. There is a stream crossing about 2 1/2 miles before the lakes, so bring extra socks.

Getting there

From Carbondale travel east on Hwy 82 to Basalt. Turn left at the stoplight and travel 32 miles up the Fryingpan River. When the pavement ends, take a right onto road #505, past Horseshoe Bend Guest Ranch, and follow road #505 until it dead-ends. The trailhead is above the water diversion structure. Another route to the lakes (the longer one) is to take the Horseshoe Bend Guest Ranch road. Public parking is provided at the bulletin board just across the bridge. Hike up the road to the beginning of the trail.

39.24456, -106.53000 · 39°14'40.4"N 106°31'48.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in3.63.54.14.83.11.31.91.91.92.63.03.1

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 3.3 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Fryingpan Lakes #1921

Can you reserve a site at Fryingpan Lakes #1921?
No. Fryingpan Lakes #1921 is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Fryingpan Lakes #1921

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Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.