With only a few hundred feet of elevation gain from either end, this relatively flat trail is a perfect, family-friendly introduction to the Lakes Basin backcountry. From the Emerald Lake trailhead at the end of the Coldwater road, follow the drainage uphill. Take the first right fork toward Barrett Lake, contouring gently along a bench through lodgepole, fir and an occasional small meadow. At the edge of Barrett, take the left fork around the shore, where a brief and worthwhile detour up and back takes you to you TJ Lake, with its view of Crystal Crag and the Mammoth Crest, before heading down to Lake George.
Coldwater-George Trail 2.9 mi
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Trail Activities
Public Services
Trail Information
- Typical grade 9% - (Maximum 39% for 53 feet)
- Typical cross slope 2% - (Maximum 30% for 25 feet)
- Typical width at trail surface 3 feet
- Sand
- Several steps and obstacles exist on this trail. Steps up to 14" in height can be expected.
- A standard ramp is 8%. Conditions subject to change.
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This trail is accessed directly from the Coldwater Creek Trailhead and the Lake George Trailhead.
- Get driving directions to Coldwater Creek Trailhead
- Get driving directions to Lake George Trailhead
- Get public-transit options*
*Note that not all facilities are accessible via public transit.
Related Destinations
Barrett Lake
- Hours/Season: N/A | Fall Summer
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Coldwater Campground
- Hours/Season: All day | Summer Fall
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Coldwater Trailheads
- Hours/Season: 24/7 - Certain amenities/facilities limited | Fall Spring Summer
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Lake George
- Hours/Season: Store: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., summer only | Year Round
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Lake George Campground
- Hours/Season: All day | Fall Summer
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TJ Lake
- Hours/Season: N/A | Year Round
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Related Destinations
| Destination | Activities and Services |
|---|---|
| Barrett Lake |
|
| Coldwater Campground |
|
| Coldwater Trailheads |
|
| Lake George |
|
| Lake George Campground |
|
| TJ Lake |
|
Related Experiences
Campground Camping at Coldwater Campground
1.3 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Asphalt - Vehicle Accessible,
- Duration: Overnight
Campground Camping at Lake George Campground
0.2 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Asphalt - Vehicle Accessible,
- Duration: Overnight
Hiking from Lake George to TJ and Barrett Lakes
1.5 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Sand,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Hiking to TJ Lake - Adaptive Option
1.5 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Soil,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Kayaking on Lake George
1.0 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Water,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Sport Climbing at the Dike Wall
1.5 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Soil,
- Duration: Half day
Wildflower Viewing at Coldwater Creek
0.9 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Soil,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Wildflower Viewing at Sky Meadows
4.2 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Soil,
- Duration: None
Related Experiences
| Experience | Rating | Length (mi) | Surface | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Campground Camping at Coldwater Campground | 1.3 | Asphalt - Vehicle Accessible | Overnight | |
| Campground Camping at Lake George Campground | 0.2 | Asphalt - Vehicle Accessible | Overnight | |
| Hiking from Lake George to TJ and Barrett Lakes | 1.5 | Sand | Less than 4 hours | |
| Hiking to TJ Lake - Adaptive Option | 1.5 | Soil | Less than 4 hours | |
| Kayaking on Lake George | 1.0 | Water | Less than 4 hours | |
| Sport Climbing at the Dike Wall | 1.5 | Soil | Half day | |
| Wildflower Viewing at Coldwater Creek | 0.9 | Soil | Less than 4 hours | |
| Wildflower Viewing at Sky Meadows | 4.2 | Soil |
