Lakes of the Great Burn
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Hazel Lake

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Difficulty: Classic
Distance: 3.0 miles
Trailhead Elevation: 4015 feet; Trailhead Lat/Long: 47°17'12.16"N / 115°20'19.52"W
Lake Elevation: 5380 feet; Lake Lat/Long: 47°16'24.98"N / 115°21'52.44"W

Hazel Lake 2024

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Hazel Lake Topo

Getting There: Take the Ward Creek Road (#889) exit off I-90. The exit is only accessible from the East bound lanes and sits right on a sharp corner, if not paying attention you could miss it. Drive approximately 6 miles to a switchback and bridge across Ward Creek where there is a sign for the trailhead and ample parking. Stay on the main road, you will pass the road that leads to Up Up Lookout at mile 3. The lookout is rentable, but not recommended for small children for safety reasons.

Hazel Lake 2022 Trail (#262) starts out meandering through the bottoms and some cedar groves. The trail climbs moderately and after a mile or so you will get to a nice set of waterfalls that are far below the trail. It is a very steep climb down to them but worth it.

The trail splits shortly after the falls with trail #262 turning left steeply up the hill and back towards the state line; there is (was) a sign at the intersection. This is not a shortcut to Hazel Lake, nor does it go to Square Lake. Rather it ends up on the state line road (#391) about 1/4 mile from the Square Lake trailhead. You can see portions of it along the hillside across the valley if you look closely.

Continue straight on trail #280 that heads back along the hillside to a couple of switchbacks before the trail lines out for the lake. The trail has plenty of water for your dog, so no need to take extra. Hazel Lake is about 3 miles from the trailhead.

At the Lake: I have been to this lake a number of times but have not fished it in a long time. The lake contains Cutthroat Trout. It is a steep drop into the lake from the main trail and a campsite is on the other side of the outlet. Mosquitoes tend to be very prevalent so plan accordingly.

Bonus Route: Alternatively, you can reach Hub and Hazel Lakes by starting at the Ward Peak Trailhead (trail #250) on the state line road (#391) and dropping down from the saddle between Ward and Eagle Peak.

The trail is good, but I would consider this the more difficult approach as the way out is a steep dry climb up to the low saddle between Ward and Eagle Peaks and then continuing up around Ward Peak until you drop back down to the trailhead back to your vehicle.

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