Herman Lake lies in the open tundra of a capacious valley just below the Continental Divide. The Herman Gulch Trail, which is part of the greater Continental Divide Trail, follows Herman Gulch through treeline, where it branches off in the tundra to Herman Lake.

Herman Lake is a moderate day hike with easy access from I-70

Willow belongs to the Salix Genus, a group of 400 deciduous trees and shrubs that favor moist soils

The trail clears treeline just past the CDT split at 11,800'

Outlying tarns dot Herman Lake's large, level basin

Aspen regenerate vegetatively by shoots and suckers from its long lateral roots; root sprouting produces genetically identical trees called clones

Herman Lake fills a shallow bench below the steep east slope of Pettingell Peak

The final approach to Herman Lake is surprisingly mild and well-groomed

The high walls over Herman Lake provide excellent views over the valley, and are good places to see mountain goat and bighorn sheep

Though Engelmann spruce will germinate in a range of light intensities, seedlings establish best in 40 - 60% shade at high elevations

The blue-green waters of Herman Lake, a popular fishing spot

Marmots give birth only once a year with an average litter of 3-5 pups

Looking southeast at Mount Bethel (12,705') from a knoll above Herman Lake

The southeast shore of Herman Lake provides good terrain for an extended respite

The trail quickly rises above treeline and cuts through alpine tundra before reaching Herman Lake