Weller Lake Trail Hiking

Review

Intro

The beauty of many of the hiking and climbing routes situated just off of Highway 82 on Independence Pass is that they’re easy to get to and provide visitors with the opportunities to explore multiple sites and still enjoy downtown Aspen all in one day. Hiking or trail running to Weller Lake is just .6 miles from the trailhead, making it one of the quickest routes on Independence Pass. 

What Makes It Great

The trail to access Weller Lake winds through aspen and spruce forests and features a couple switchbacks and a gradual 200-foot elevation gain. This forested mountain lake sits below the treeline and is relatively sheltered. It’s possible to hike around the lake, but the route requires navigation of downed trees and boulders.

The best time to go to Weller Lake, and most everything else in the high mountains around Aspen is the morning. Thunderstorms are common in the afternoon, especially in July and August.  High snow years will prevent access to the lake until early June.

In addition to being a short hike, Weller Lake is an easy hike. There’s only a 200-foot elevation gain to conquer, making it an excellent mini excursion for the whole family, including young children or the elderly. The lake serves as a perfect backdrop for a multi-generational family photo.

Who is Going to Love It

The hike to Weller Lake is perfect for someone on a time crunch who wants to experience a quick bout of adventure and nature. 

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

The parking lot pullout is on the right (when coming from Aspen) just as the road starts to turn left after a very exposed section of road. If you pass Weller campground, you've gone too far.