Twin Crater Lakes in Roosevelt National Forest occupies a glacial cirque basin in the Comanche Peak Wilderness west of Fort Collins, Colorado. The six-mile round trip gains 1,600 feet through Poudre Canyon terrain before reaching the two lakes nestled below the cirque headwall. The basin wildflowers and lake-reflection scenery make July and August visits particularly rewarding.
This is a good moderate-hard destination for hikers who want Comanche Peak Wilderness terrain without the longer commitments of the Mummy Range routes.
The Route
From the CO-14 trailhead near Rustic, the trail climbs through conifer forest on the Poudre Canyon's south slopes. The first two miles gain elevation steadily through forest before breaking into subalpine terrain. The upper basin opens at three miles with both lakes visible from the cirque entry.
The lower lake is more accessible; the upper lake requires a short cross-country approach on rocky terrain. Both offer good shoreline access for resting or photography.
What to Expect
The cirque basin concentrates wildflowers in late July, with paintbrush, aster, and various composites covering the open terrain between the lakes and the headwall. The basin orientation means it stays cooler than exposed ridge terrain; bring a layer for rest stops.
Afternoon weather builds reliably over the cirque headwall. The enclosed basin can feel ominous during a developing storm; start early and be prepared to retreat if thunder develops.
Nearby
Rustic, Colorado, is the nearest community, a small enclave along CO-14 in the Poudre Canyon. Fort Collins is about 55 miles east and provides full services. The Poudre Canyon campgrounds along CO-14 provide good base camping for exploring this section of the Roosevelt National Forest.
Leave No Trace
This trail receives enough use that following Leave No Trace principles is important for preserving the experience for future visitors. Stay on the marked trail to prevent erosion. Pack out all waste. Avoid camping within 200 feet of water sources or the trail. Use existing fire rings only where campfires are permitted, and check current fire restrictions at checking conditions before you go before any visit. The trail and surrounding terrain remain in good condition because previous visitors have respected these norms.
Safety Considerations
The moderate-hard rating reflects the trail's general character under typical conditions. Weather, seasonal snow, and trail conditions can change the experience significantly. Carry the 10 Essentials on any full-day outing. Inform someone of your plans and expected return time before heading out, particularly on longer or more remote trails. Cell service varies throughout Roosevelt National Forest and may be unreliable in canyon bottoms or remote terrain.