Bowen Lake - 15.8 Miles Round-Trip

Bowen Lake (11,019') is located 7.9 miles from Bowen-Baker Trailhead in the Never Summer Wilderness. It fills a steep-walled bowl east of the Divide surrounded by some of the oldest spruce and fir trees in the NSW. 

Trail Map | Photo Gallery

The Bowen Gulch Trail parallels Kawuneeche Valley for 2.5 miles, then turns west up Bowen Gulch for 4.15 miles to the Bowen Lake Trail. The Bowen Lake Trail runs 1.25 miles south to the lake.

Steep switchbacks continue up to the CDT, which can be followed north (clockwise) to Fairview Mountain and down to Parika Lake on a ~20-mile loop across the Never Summer Wilderness. (Loop hikers should consider counter-clockwise travel, as Bowen Gulch is decidedly less scenic than the Parika - Baker Gulch side.)

Though net elevation gain is modest, much of the trail is rocky and the majority of climbing occurs beyond 5 miles. Numerous large trees have fallen across the trail and are difficult to pass, particularly with overnight packs. Allow extra time to negotiate steep grades and deadfall on the Bowen Lake Trail segment.

An arguably more interesting route to Bowen Lake begins at North Supply Trailhead and follows the Blue Ridge Trail to the CDT, from which you can drop into the bowl. Call ahead for road conditions and closures before making the drive to North Supply.

Note: The Bowen-Baker Trailhead is in Rocky Mountain National Park and entrance fees apply. No fee or permit is required to camp in the Never Summer Wilderness. Dogs are not permitted in RMNP, but it's generally accepted that those heading into the NSW can walk the short distance with their leashed pets across the Park - Wilderness boundary:

A service road heads west from Bowen-Baker Trailhead across Kawuneeche Valley to the Bowen Gulch - Baker Gulch split (.3 miles). Keep straight for Bowen Gulch and cross a bridge to the RMNP - NSW Boundary (.7 miles) and Never Summer Wilderness Backcountry Board (.87 miles).

The trail bends south and parallels Kawuneeche Valley with partial views into the meadows. The canopy is badly marred but the forest floor is verdant with clutches of columbine. The trail runs quickly on an old road bed to an intersection with access back into RMNP (2.53 miles : 9,155'); turn right up Bowen Gulch.

The road-trail joins the creek (3.35 miles) and moves fast through intervals of forest and glades to a long bridge over the creek (4.25 miles : 9,460').

It crosses back to the north bank (4.45 miles) and steepens on a rocky path bisected by several streams, notably Blue Lake's outlet (5.1 miles : 9,750'). This is unmarked and indistinguishable, but a useful / interesting point of reference (GPS Point #14).

Steady climbing continues past the Blue Lake Trail split (5.92 miles : 10,170') into a subalpine meadow. It crests, drops and crosses a creek to meadows with desirable campsites tucked just inside (6.25 miles : 10,190') .

Travel intensifies with increasing amounts of deadfall to the Bowen Lake Trail split (6.65 miles : 10,355').

Note large trees with mature forest characteristics in this area. Several trees have simply obliterated the trail and take time to work through. 

The Bowen Lake Trail turns south and steepens with numerous, tedious obstructions up to Bowen Lake (7.9 miles : 11,019'). The shore is narrow and hemmed by steep walls, but paths circle much of the lake and there's ample room to cast and explore.

Camping is not permitted at Bowen Lake (room is limited on the shore); social trails lead to numerous established sites just above the lake.