Hike-in Required
No
Open Year-round
Yes
ADA accessible
No
Guided tours
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Loch Lomond is a beautiful lake located beneath the 13,000+ foot peaks of Mount Bancroft and James Peak. The lake can be easily accessed by 4WD vehicle (depending on time of year) or by foot. The forest service controls access to the lake via two gates. The lower gate is closed from 12/1 - 6/1, while the upper gate is closed from 10/15 - 7/15.

How far you’ll have to walk up Steuart Road depends on which gates are closed and if you have a 4x4 vehicle or not. Even if you do have to walk the full distance from the lower gate it is well worth it!

Loch Lomond is a beautiful lake backdropped against stunning mountain peaks and even a waterfall. You can walk across the earthen dam to where you’ll find a trail that ascends and ultimately leads to the CDT. There is also a trail on the west side of the lake that will lead to an upper lake - Reynolds Lake. There are actually several lakes in this area above Loch Lomond, a worthy excuse for additional exploration.

Camping is very limited around the lake, but just down from Loch Lomond is an abundance of dispersed campsites.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Pros

Beautiful alpine lake. Good dispersed camping just before.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Features

Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Fishing
Family friendly
Waterfalls
Big Game Watching
Near lake or river
Big vistas
Bird watching

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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