Bushnell Lakes

Managing agency

San Juan NF — Columbine RD (West)

Bushnell Lakes is a 2.4-mile loop trail in the San Juan National Forest's Columbine Ranger District in Colorado. The hike gains 2,197 feet of elevation over its route, making it a challenging ascent despite its modest distance. This significant elevation gain means the trail climbs steeply in sections, so hikers should be prepared for sustained effort. The loop format allows hikers to experience different terrain and views on the way out and return, eliminating the need to retrace the same path. This trail is managed by the San Juan National Forest, which maintains it as part of the Columbine Ranger District's trail system on the forest's western side. The combination of short distance with high elevation gain makes Bushnell Lakes appealing to hikers seeking an intensive workout in a compact timeframe. The trail provides access to alpine terrain characteristic of the San Juan range, rewarding the effort with mountain scenery typical of this region of Colorado.