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Cobbett Lake

Rating: 
Round Trip Distance: 0.7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 10,209 - 10,239 feet
Cellphone: 0-3 bars
Time: 30 mins.
Trailhead: Lower Cabin Trail
Fee: none
Attractions: Forest hike, fishing




The Cobbett Lake trail is located in the Grand Mesa National Forest. Using local speak, it is on the Delta (south) side of the mesa across the road from the Visitor Center. Cobbett Lake is bordered on one side by Highway 65, the main road over the mesa, which makes it one of the easiest of the many lakes on the mesa to get to. Besides the beautiful mountain setting the lake is stocked with rainbow trout and has a campground for those that would like to spend a little more time. There are probably a half dozen other campgrounds within just a few miles, most of which are near other lakes, making it normally pretty easy to find somewhere to camp.


Currently nothing stands out as an official looking trailhead for the Cobbett Lake trail. A kiosk across the road from the Grand Mesa Visitor Center serves as a good starting point though.


From the kiosk take one of the paths to the right and pick up the main trail that goes around the east side of the lake. You can also find where the trail connects to the Baron Lake road about 20 feet or so up the road from the kiosk.


The trail along the east side of the lake is marked with blue and orange diamonds showing that it serves as a Nordic and snowmobile route during the winter. Most snowmobiles usually just drive across the frozen surface of the lake rather than through the trees.


There is a trail sign that marks the spot where the Cobbett Lake and and the Ward Lake cutoff trails meet. A nice alternative or supplemental hike is too follow the trail over to Spruce Lodge where they have a restaurant, fishing supplies and cabins that they rent.


From the trail junction the trail continues around the lake to the campground where it follows the road for a short distance.


The trail around the lake can be picked up once again along the north shore. From here back to the Visitor Center the trail is more rocky and primitive. A little scrambling around the rocks is required in a few spots.


To add to the pleasant surroundings there are numerous varieties of wildflowers. Butterflies like this fritillary are common as well.


Hiking around Cobbett Lake might be the most fun with a fishing pole in your hand. A person tends to get a rash of trout fever watching the fish jump. The south and east sides of the lake should be easy for small children but they will need some help around the rest of lake to keep from falling in the water. Besides nice restrooms with running water the Visitor Center also has a fly shop for the fishermen and a nice gift shop with books and souvenirs. The rangers are always good for information including a few free maps and brochures. If you would like to see it all for yourself then all you have to do is 'Take a hike'.