Crater Lake Trail

Durango, CO

Content provider

Crater Lake Trail

This popular trail climbs steadily to alpine Crater Lake, nestled in the base of North Twilight Peak. Hikers enjoy top-of-the-world views along the trail, interspersed with passages through wildflower meadows and dense spruce-fir forest. Fishing at the forest-edged lake or climbing above timberline to a saddle between peaks highlights this one- or two-day trip.

See all Hiking in Colorado

Driving Directions

Note: driving directions are approximate.

We cannot find this location: please try again.

Directions to: Crater Lake Trail

print directions

Trail Statistics & Information

ActivityHiking
Nearby CityDurango
Length11 mi
Skill LevelModerate to challenging for children
DurationDay hike or backpack
SeasonBest late May to mid-October
Trailhead Elevation10,744 ft
Top Elevation11,634 ft
screen shot of Trails.com

REI MEMBERS: SAVE $20 on a Trails.com Subscription

Subscribe to Trails.com for just $29.95 a year and gain full access to over 49,000 professional trail guides, high-res USGS topo maps & much more!

Content provided by Trails.com

How are we doing? Give us feedback on this page.

REI Anniversary Sale May 17–27. Plus, members SAVE 20% on 1 full-price item with coupon code ANNV13. Details

  • Join REI today!
  • REI Membership
  • REI member benefits include an annual refund (typically 10% on eligible purchases).
  • Join REI today!
  • Sign up for REI Gearmail®
  • and get 15% off selected items!
  • Store Locator
  • Locate an REI store near you.
  • Find a Store

Find REI on: FacebookTwitterYouTubeFlickr