“A breathtaking alpine hike”
Odessa Lake is located 4.15 miles from the Bear Lake Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. It rests high in a steep subalpine valley hemmed in by The Little MatterhornThe Gable (11,939') and Joe Mills Mountain. Hikers will enjoy sensational alpine scenery and excellent fishing at Odessa Lake: The trail rises quickly over Bear Lake through young aspen to the Odessa Lake - Mill Creek Basin split (.45 miles : 9,725'). It climbs steadily to the Flattop Mountain Trail junction (1.0 mile : 9,965'), beyond which grades steepen up a notably rocky path. The trail negotiates a short but steep-sided scree field through the vestiges of treeline to the Sourdough Campsite spur (2.65 miles : 10,585'). It crests past the campsite and drops gently to several unmarked spurs for Lake Helene (3.0 miles : 10,610'). Remain vigilant, as spurs are unmarked and fairly easy to miss. Lake Helene fills a shallow depression fed by the glacier-laden slopes of Flattop Mountain (12,324'), Ptarmigan Point (12,363') and Notchtop Mountain (12,129'). The trail makes a sharp hairpin turn past Lake Helene, around and down the west flank of Joe Mills Mountain. Knobtop Mountain (12,331'), Little Matterhorn (11,586'), and the deep valley below come into view as the trail runs down rugged, open talus to the Odessa Lake access spur (4.0 miles : 10,035'). Bear left and follow the outlet stream to Odessa Lake (4.15 miles : 10,055'). Odessa Lake's east shore is cluttered, but those with time can find social trails leading to its secluded and exceptionally attractive west shore. Be mindful of changing weather and remember that you must climb 637' back through treeline on the return hike to Bear Lake. -http://www.protrails.com/trails/view/52/rocky_mountain_national_park/odessa_lake
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It was a bit chilly so I wasn't able to see the lake clearly. Hopefully I'll catch it next time!
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Odessa Lake
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