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Directions: From I-70 exit and travel north on US 40 towards Berthoud Pass and Winter Park. Turn left at the Big Bend exit and pass by the picnic area. Just before the Henderson Mine you'll see a sign pointing to the left for Urad. Turn here and follow the good dirt road. At 1.5 miles on the dirt road it becomes narrow and rocky, SUV is recommend. The road ends at a gate and sign for the Urad Lake State Wildlife Area, park here.
Hassell Lake is a scenic sub-alpine lake nested on a forested ledge about 800 ft above Urad Lake. The lake is surrounded by wetlands and willows and is a great spot to camp or fish. The hike up from Urad lake is short but steep with wonderful views down valley towards Berthoud Pass.
From the Urad Lake Parking area the trail starts off by following the rocky dirt road along the southern shore of Urad Lake. The road curves around the far end of the lake and cuts back east for a few yards. Once you see a berm with a small sign that states "trail" the Hassell Lake trail begins. The trail starts out moderately along the open slopes and weaving through young Aspen groves. The trail then gets much steeper, but the steepness does not last too long. Once you enter the pine forest you'll follow a cascading creek up to the lake. Once you start seeing the wetlands, you've arrived. The official trail takes you to a nice campsite with an open view of the lake, but there are many other areas to explore. To hike around the entirety of the lake requires some bushwhacking but you can find many different spots to relax along the shore. The hike down is the same route, but this time, once you reach Urad Lake, you can turn left and follow the northern shore back (over the dam) to the road for a little variety. |
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