Taylor Mountain Pond, Boulder, CO
A picture-perfect pond at the end of this mellow 0.8-mile hike makes this trip in the Roosevelt National Forest an easy overnight option for families.
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Just off the Peak-to-Peak highway between Boulder and Rocky Mountain National Park, this short hike leads to a picture-perfect lakeside campsite in Roosevelt National Forest. From the end of Taylor Mountain Spur road, hike across the cattle guard and continue on the wide double track 300 yards before tuning left on a signed spur trail, also headed uphill. At the next junction, stay left to wind around the hillside, heading south and dipping into a grassy field before beginning another climb, this time through rocky outcroppings. As the climb mellows and curves north, look left through a small aspen grove for views of the lake before rounding the final bend to an open clearing and campfire ring on the small pond about 0.8 mile from the trailhead.
There are several trails leaving from the clearing, and plenty of campsites (head west for views of Longs Peak and north for early-morning shade). The pond itself is a great place to while away the afternoon in a hammock, or catching water boatmen near the shore.
Contact Roosevelt National Forest
