Granite Lake from Silver Lake - This short (2.8 miles round trip), easy trail gives you wonderful views of 3 lakes and a small pond. From the parking lot, you see Silver Lake and then you have several views of it along the trail. There is a small lake shortly before you get to Granite Lake that is lovely (slides 13 and 14). I thought it was Granite Lake until a passing hiker told me to keep going. Granite Lake is a bit larger (slides 19 – 21). Thunder Mountain’s jagged lava peaks can be seen across the lakes and frequently along the trail. There are huge erratic boulders sitting on granite all along the trail – left by ancient glaciers.

Trailhead: Take Kit Carson Road off Hwy. 88 just north of Silver Lake. Go 1.5 miles until you see sign for the trail. There is parking just past the sign. Note: Hdden Lake is 2 miles past Granite Lake.