Wheeler Lake

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4.5/5 (42 reviews)
Alma, Colorado (Park County)
Last Updated: 07/03/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

When you think of Colorado offroading, what do you think of? Maybe majestic snowcapped peaks, fields of wildflowers lined with pine trees, or crystal-clear mountain lakes? Well, if you have the rig to do it, Wheeler Lake checks all of those boxes! Located in the Pike National Forest, Wheeler Lake is the quintessential Colorado high-altitude offroad adventure. From the towering peaks (some of which are 14ers) that surround you as you ascend a thick and lush vegetated valley to the mining remnants from the past, Wheeler Lake will have you and your passengers looking out the windows in every direction right from the get-go. Although the scenery along the way will pull your attention away from the trail, don't let it - this trail has a few tricky obstacles that will give mildly built rigs a run for their money, and even very built rigs will have an opportunity to really stretch out. Flopper, V-Notch, and Bowling Ball Hill are all aptly named obstacles that will stand in your way before your final ascent up to Wheeler Lake. At the end of this trail, you will be experiencing Colorado at its finest - a picturesque, crystal-clear mountain lake fed by snowmelt from the surrounding peaks, all within reach of your offroad rig, of course. Bring your family, bring your friends. Wheeler Lake is one of those trails that, if it's not on your Colorado bucket list, it needs to be.


Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.5/5 (42)
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Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/23/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Trail was in good shape and the scenery was nice as always
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400
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/03/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Compared to other Colorado trails rated a 5 on this app, this trail is closer to a 6. You’ll know immediately from the early (and fun!) obstacles if you want to continue or not. The middle section can drag on as it’s endless rock fields that require attention, but the view more than makes up for it. The hill climb to the lake at the end is a blast, but there is a spot that is heavily rutted out and next to a jagged rock that can easily cause body damage if your rig slides too much when it’s wet. Highly recommend the trail!
Trail Review: Wheeler Lake - Justin
Trail Review: Wheeler Lake - Justin
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1200
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Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/05/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Never disappoints!
Trail Review: Wheeler Lake - Ry Boling
Trail Review: Wheeler Lake - Ry Boling
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200
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Rated 3/5
Visited: 07/20/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

The only tough obstacle is the V notch and even that is not that hard with a good line. As far as difficulty it is way over rated. However the views and the trail overall were great. I would run it again but it definitely would not be my first pick for this area.
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Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/01/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Wheeler Lake is passable for the season. It’s sloppy at the top, but after my buddies gladiator on 40s got through and we pulled my Lexus through, a group followed us with no issues.
Trail Review: Wheeler Lake - Mike Fronckowiak
Trail Review: Wheeler Lake - Mike Fronckowiak

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