4 stars for a lack of facilities at the trail head itself. Being so close to Denver and very popular it needs a bigger parking lot and real bathrooms with running water. It has plenty of space for it, the county just needs to do it. The trail it's self had absolutely no markers to tell you if you were going the right way which can be confusing for newbies or out of state folks since this trail head leads to many other massive trails. Take water and food. Don't be fooled, these are 13ers and much harder then they look online. It's going to take any where from 3.4 to 6 hours to get to the lake and back down. They need a dog leash sign as well to remind people even the mountains have a leash law. Witnessed dogs in fights but also they have a lot of moose, deer and bears on this trail and it's not safe to let your dogs off leash. Part of the trail over the waters edge needs a railing. Kids and adults were trying to pass and couple of them almost fell off the side.
Double check with county and city events before going because this trail is used alot for races and events. Take your walking sticks and hiking shoes with lots of grip to them. Not sneakers. Be warned this is an all up hill constant incline with continuous elevation increase. Not just a walk through meadows. Very few spots are flat. Very rocky and full of tree vines. The lake is beautiful. Remember leave no trace!