Trip
Hiking – Boss and Hunt Lakes Trail
Hike this beautiful trail through a historic mining area. At 7.5 miles with 1,900 feet of elevation gain this trail is ranked as moderate. I prefer to saunter and enjoy the scenery. The trailhead is directly across from the Monarch lodge, on Forest Rd 230 off of Highway 50. The trail encompasses a section of The Colorado Trail Collegiate West 05, and the CDT. This is a Dog friendly hike. Please see below for more information.
Contacts
- Sun, Oct 18, 2026
- El Pueblo
- Hiking
- Adults, Families, All Who Qualify
- Moderate
- Mileage: 7.5 mi
- Elevation Gain: 1,945 ft
- High Point Elevation: 11,530 ft
- Pace: 2.0
- 7 (8 capacity)
- 1 (2 capacity)
- Mon, Oct 12, 2026 at 2:36 PM
- Fri, Oct 16, 2026 at 8:00 PM
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
If you have not hiked with me before please provide me with your cell phone number by texting me at 719-569-5555. I may also have questions regarding experience and fitness level.
Please let the leader (me) know of any health issues. You are responsible for your own personal first aid kit.
Bring snacks/lunch to eat on the trail. If we finish early enough we may stop in Salida for lunch on the way back
Dog friendly: Dogs are allowed in this area, but must be on leash, well socialized, and under control. There are old mining pits and bears in the area. Be prepared to carry the feces by bringing baggies and plastic jar for the baggies. No bags will be left on the trail.
The trip begins and ends at the trailhead. CMC El Pueblo reserves the right to change the trip at anytime due to unforeseen events.
Option 1: To carpool from Pueblo meet at 7AM at the southeast corner of the Albertson's parking lot, at 1601 US-50.
Option 2: Meeting near the trailhead at 9:30AM is a second option. It's about a 2-1/2 hour drive to the trailhead from the 1st meetup site. There is a parking lot next to Monarch Snowmobile Tours, 22763 US Hwy 50, Salida, CO 81201, at the base of FR 230 where vehicles can be left. Please read and abide by the signs, don’t block the road, driveway, or snowmobile business.
Those with high clearance 4WD may choose to drive the 1.2 miles to the Boss Lake TH.
AllTrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/hunt-lake-trail
Required Equipment
Weather: A light snow is expected mid-week clearing on Friday. None is forecast Saturday or Sunday. Highs in the mid 40’s, lows around 29*. There may be snow and ice on the trail. Bringing traction and poles is advised. Dress in layers. Lack of the appropriate gear will be cause for turning a hiker back at the trailhead.
Bring the 10 essentials.
This is a 'no drop' hike. Life happens, and unforeseen things can happen to any of us. If the need arises for a hiker to turn back, the entire group must return with them to the trailhead. Please stay with the group not surging ahead, or stepping off the trail, without letting the leader know. Some of the trail is steep. I will happily coach anyone who has questions. Anyone showing up at the meetup site with inappropriate (unsafe) gear will be asked to leave the hike.