Trappers Lake is known as the "Cradle of Wilderness." At approximately 302 surface acres, the lake contains a strain of native cutthroat trout and the Colorado Division of Wildlife operates a spawn collection station at the Cabin Creek inlet during May and June. Trappers Lake itself lies completely within Flat Tops Wilderness; motorized boats and wheeled carts for boat transport are prohibited. Trappers Lake Lodge rents cabins and boats, and there are 5 Forest Service campgrounds nearby. Dispersed camping is prohibited within 1/4 mile of Trappers Lake and the campgrounds. The video below is provided courtesy of Flattopsbyway. A downloadable audio tour of the Flat Tops Trail Scenic and Historic Byway is also available.
From Meeker, take Colorado Highway 13 east for 1 mile, then turn right on Rio Blanco County Road 8 and follow this for 39 miles to Trappers Lake Road #205. Turn south on Trappers Lake Road #205, and continue for 10 miles just past the Outlet Trailhead. The Trapline Campground is on the left.