Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area
Fossil Creek Reservoir & Swede Lake
2.7 mi · ▲ 0 ft · 54 min
Fossil Creek Reservoir & Swede Lake is a 2.7-mile out-and-back in Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area near Timnath, CO. The route passes Swede Lake and Swede Lake before reaching Fossil Creek Reservoir at the turnaround, 1.4 miles in. It is mostly level, with 0 ft of elevation gain. It scores 0/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: paved and peopled.
Elevation
Getting there
Directions
Fossil Creek Reservoir & Swede Lake
2.7 mi · ▲ 0 ft · 54 min
Elevation 4,864–4,882 ft
Out & Back · Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area
Trailhead: 40.48438, -104.99481
Weather Sep 5: Overcast, high 95°F / low 64° · precip 8% · wind 7 mph · sunrise 6:32 AM · sunset 7:27 PM
Transit-accessible: NB Westgate & Hwy 392 stop 715 m from the trailhead
- Start at the trailhead, heading NW.
- 50 ftPass Swede Lake.
- 0.2 miBear right, heading NW.
- 50 ftPass Swede Lake.
- 50 ftTurn left, heading W.
- 50 ftBear right, heading NW.
- 1.2 miReach Fossil Creek Reservoir, then turn around and head back the way you came.
- 1.2 miBear left, heading SE.
- 50 ftTurn right, heading SE.
- 50 ftBear left, heading SE.
- 0.2 miArrive back at the trailhead.
Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.
Weather
Sunset
The best sunset spot on this hike is 1.3 mi in (~32 min). Leave by 6:35 PM for the 7:27 PM sunset. Back at your car by 8:14 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp. Trailhead visible from the viewpoint
Good to know
- Transit-accessible: NB Westgate & Hwy 392 stop 715 m from the trailhead
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Hikes near Timnath, Colorado