Geneva Lake Trail

Geneva Lake Trail is a wilderness hiking route in the Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness near Marble, Colorado, carrying you between Snowmass Lake and Geneva Lake. The route is part of the broader Four Pass Loop trail system, so many parties link it with other nearby passes and basins rather than hiking it as a standalone out-and-back.

The climbing is a central feature. From Snowmass Lake, the trail begins above the outlet on the south side and rises steeply for about 1.5 miles to Trail Rider Pass. From the pass, it drops into a large basin and then continues down toward Geneva Lake.

Approaching Geneva Lake, the trail works through a mix of meadows, trees, and sections that open up to views over the Lead King Basin area. The line passes cascading waterfalls on the Marble-side approach and becomes level roughly 10 minutes before reaching the lake, then skirts the north end of Geneva Lake.

A common way to experience the route is to start at the Snowmass Lake side for the steeper first half, then continue down into the basin and finish at Geneva Lake. Another popular direction runs the same route in reverse, starting at the Lead King Basin trailhead and working up toward Snowmass Lake.

At Geneva Lake (10,940 ft), the trail connects with routes toward Trail Rider Pass and toward additional nearby segments, which is why it’s frequently folded into longer itineraries. The route is used by hikers on horseback as well as on foot, with dogs allowed on leash.

Permits and wilderness rules matter for this area. Overnight stays in the Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness require an advance reservation overnight permit purchased in advance; day use does not carry that same overnight-permit requirement. Bear-resistant food storage is required in the wilderness; bear containers are enforced for backpackers. Water is not available at the Geneva Lake trailhead, and there are no restrooms listed for this site.

More information: Visitor information, Hike GTE – the great Elban crossing on your own |, Geneva Lake Trail Description, Hiking trail near Marble, CO