The Island Lake Trail begins along Trappers Lake Trail, heads generally east to the Island Lake basin and eventually to Stump Park, on the east end of the Flat Tops.

The west end of the Island Lake Trail begins along Trappers Lake Trail. Leaving the Trappers Lake Trail you head east on the Island Lake Trail. 1/2 mile along the trail you reach the Chinese Wall Trail junction. 1 mile further across the rolling tundra you come to the escarpment and below you lies the Island Lakes Basin with several lakes plainly in view. The "W." Mountain Trail branches off to the south just before you reach the rim. Dropping off the escarpment you wind your way to the bench below. Half mile further you come to the Deer Lake Trail junction, Upper Island Lake lies to your right. The South Derby Trail starts winding on its 2 mile journey over the ridge to Crescent Lake, 250 yards further down the trail. Lower Island Lake lies 1/2 mile below the South Derby Trail junction. The Island Lake Trail continues down Derby Creek eight miles or so to FDR 610 at Stump Park. After leaving the Island Lake Trail, the Deer Lake Trail follows a bench overlooking Island Lake and the Derby Creek drainages. Sheep Mountain forms a backdrop to Island Lake.

Directions: From Meeker, Island Lake, Deer Lake and South Derby trails are located 50 miles east of Meeker. Take State Highway 13 east out of Meeker for one mile; turn right on County Road 8 for 39 miles; then turn right on Trappers Lake road for 10 miles to the Outlet Trailhead. Follow the Carhart Trail around the east side of Trappers Lake to the Trappers Lake trail. On the Trappers Lake trail go 4 miles to the head of Fraser Creek where the Island Lake trail begins. The Deer Lake trail junction and the South Derby trail junction are 2 1/2 miles down the Island Lake trail.

Elevation: 11,100 feet

Ending Elevation: 9,000 feet

Elevation Gain: 2,100 feet

Distance: 15 miles

Usage: Moderate

Difficulty: Strenuous

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