The Gore Range is noted for its rugged peaks and knife-edge ridges, so finding a high alpine plateau in the midst of the area is quite rare. Add a lake and the promise of views overlooking the highest peaks in the range, and the lure is difficult to ignore.
Dora Lake occupies a unique location, sitting directly opposite the basin nestled under the remote north face of Mount Powell and the connecting ridge to Eagles Nest, which gives its name to the Wilderness Area.
There is no easy way to access this area, so be prepared for a long and strenuous day with quite a bit of off-trail hiking and cross-country navigation. The reward will be unsurpassed views in a pristine setting. For those wanting a shorter day, Surprise Lake and Upper Cataract Lake are excellent objectives that are reached on good trails.
Hike description
From the parking area, follow the Surprise Lake Trail, crossing a footbridge before climbing steadily as it heads south to the junction with the Gore Range Trail, 2.6 miles from the trailhead. Turn right toward Surprise Lake, which you reach in a further 0.2 miles. The lake, covered with water lilies, is quite scenic and is definitely worth a visit.
To reach Upper Cataract Lake, continue on the trail as it climbs steeply west to another trail junction at mile 3.3, where the Upper Cataract Trail leaves the Gore Range Trail. Stay left at this junction and follow the trail southwest, reaching Upper Cataract Lake at mile 5.2. The small lake visible just before descending to Upper Cataract Lake is Cat Lake (or Kat Lake, according to the sign). The rugged peak behind the Upper Cataract Lake is Eagles Nest.
To continue to Dora Lake, backtrack along the trail for 0.3 miles and look for a point at 10,900 feet where a ridge takes off to the south-southeast. A cairn may mark this point, and if you look carefully you’ll find a climbers trail heading through the trees up this ridge. The ridge defines the top of the cliffs immediately east of Upper Cataract Lake.
Follow the climbers trail, occasionally marked with cairns, as it rises steeply for 1,500 feet before the grade relents on the plateau. It is worth a short detour to peer down at Upper Cataract Lake. A lone tree at 11,686 feet on the ridge provides a good reference point for the descent.
Continue southeast across the plateau, following faint trails, crossing a minor saddle to the right of a rocky outcropping. Drop down slightly into a shallow meadow, and then climb over the next ridge, to the right of the permanent snowfield. A small, unnamed lake can be seen below the snowfield. From the top of this last ridge you finally get a good view of Dora Lake, immediately below, and the peaks behind. You should be able to pick out Eagles Nest, Mount Powell and a large number of equally impressive peaks from here. If you’re lucky you may see some of the mountain goats that frequent the area. Because you will be above treeline for an extended period, keep an eye on the sky and be prepared to beat a hasty retreat if the clouds start to build.
The details
Getting to the trailhead: From the Silverthorne exit off Interstate 70, drive north on Colorado 9 for 16 miles. Turn left on
Heeney Road (County Road 30). Drive 5.6 miles along the west side of Green Mountain Reservoir to the Cataract Creek Road. Turn left and take this graded road for 2.3 miles to the Surprise Lake Trailhead and parking area (on the left). This is a U.S. Fee Area, so, as is the case more frequently these days, you will need to self-register and pay the $5 fee.
Hike statistics: From the Surprise Lake Trailhead to Surprise Lake – 1,530 feet of total elevation gain in 2.8 miles one-way.From the Surprise Lake Trailhead to Upper Cataract Lake – 2,800 feet of total elevation gain in 5.2 miles one-way.
From the Surprise Lake Trailhead to Dora Lake, with a side trip to Upper Cataract Lake – 4,730 feet of total elevation gain in 7.2 miles one-way.
Difficulty: A moderate trail hike to the first two lakes. The hike to Dora Lake is a strenuous off-trail climb requiring route-finding skills.
Dave Cooper is the author of “Colorado Scrambles: A Guide to 50 Select Climbs in Colorado’s Mountains.”
