Rabbit Lake

The feel

Past the gate the trail follows an old roadbed through brush and quickly opens to views of Rabbit Creek Valley. Then the road peters out and a narrower trail leads on to the lake. The lake is framed by alpine meadows and the rugged Suicide Peaks.

Around 1 mile above the gate the old road has mud holes and rocks. Higher up the trail gets slick with mud in places and rockier the further you go. Wind pours through Windy Gap between North Suicide Peak and South Suicide Peak, so the weather can turn quickly.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 9 miles total, with 1190 to 1,522 ft of gain, climbing from 1970 ft to 3160 ft. An old roadbed that narrows to a trail near the lake.

Time

About 4.5 hours.

Crowds and best time

A popular area, so expect other people. Best from June through September.

Parking

Limited at the Rabbit Lake Trailhead on Lower Canyon Road. Parking is roadside, so leave the very end clear so vehicles can turn.

Fees and passes

$5 day use.

Dogs

Welcome, but must be on a leash.

Hazards

Mud holes and rocks, fast weather changes, strong wind at the lake, and fresh bear scat has been seen on the trail.

Season and access

Best June through September. Canyon Road is paved, then dirt, ending at the parking area just below tree line.

Mingo says

Visit in summer, between June and September. Pick a calm day and expect the wind to rise as you near the lake.

Before you go

• Pay the $5 day use fee.
• Bring a portable camp stove if you plan to camp, since open fires are not permitted.
• Camp only more than 1/2 mile from the trailhead or developed road.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.