Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
4,193.00 ft (1,278.03 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
15.10 mi (24.30 km)
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.

Boulder Lakes Lollipop is a 15 mile route through the White Cloud Peaks Wilderness. This is an adventurous route with outstanding scenery and pristine alpine lakes. The route is rated as difficult due to the short “off-trail” section around the Boulder Lakes. This area is popular amongst trail runners, hikers, backpackers, and mountain bikers. 

The loop around the Big Boulder Lakes does not follow a named trail that you can find in any maps, however, there are well recognized and easy to follow boot trails to help guide you. In addition, there is a high likelihood you will encounter other hikers along the way (especially if you are there on a weekend). 

This route can be done as a long day hike, but most people will want to spend at least a night or two exploring the lakes and soaking in the scenery. 

The portion of this route that is on the Livingston-Mill Divide Trail is open to motorcycles so make sure you stay aware of your surroundings.

Storms are not uncommon, especially on the mountain passes so be sure to check the weather before and during your trip if possible.

DIRECTIONS

Mile 0 - Start at Livingston Mill-Castle Divide Trail (motorcycles are allowed on this portion of trail).

Mile 2.1 - Take Big Boulder Trail

Mile 6.2 - Reach Walker Lake and Walker Lake Trail

Mile 6.6 - West end of Walker Lake, follow an unofficial (but well defined) trail along the right side of Bighorn Creek. This will begin your short, yet beautiful and adventurous loop! *Stay on the east side of the lakes. The loop can be done in any direction, however, the route described in this post is counterclockwise.

Mile 9.4 - Connect back to Bighorn Creek and follow the creek back to Big Boulder Trail.

Mile 12.5 - Continue on Livingston-Mill Divide Trail and follow trail back to your car.



 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Days

2

Pros

Alpine lakes. Mountain scenery. Wildflowers.

Cons

Can be crowded.

Trailhead Elevation

7,211.00 ft (2,197.91 m)

Highest point

10,430.00 ft (3,179.06 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Fishing
Wildflowers
Bird watching

Typically multi-day

Yes

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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