Ancient fossils still lie hidden in the bold and bronzen buttes of Badlands National Park, a protected wilderness penetrated by hiking and biking trails.
After leaving the parking lot the trail parallels the road for a short distance then begins to climb up hill in big timber. (There is no overnight camping at the lake.) Trail varies from heavy timber to scattered larch near the lake.
This hike offers beautiful views of Cutthroat Peak, Early Winter Spires, and Liberty Bell Mountain. The lake is a deep turquoise blue with a backdrop of towering rock walls. This is a classic fall color hike in late September - early October when the hills are painted red and gold.
The trail branches at about 1.5 miles. Left trail leads to climbing routes up Liberty Bell Mountain. Hikers should stay on the main trail.
No motorized use. No overnight camping near the lake
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