Trappers Lake, Lake in White River National Forest, Colorado, United States.

Trappers Lake is a mountain lake in White River National Forest at high elevation, surrounded by dense forests and peaks rising above the water. A small lodge near the shore offers boat rentals and rustic accommodations for visitors exploring the area.

In 1920 the Forest Service hired Arthur Carhart to survey a road around the lake; his recommendation kept the shoreline largely off limits to development, the first Forest Service property set aside this way. Some call Trappers Lake the birthplace of the U.S. Wilderness Area system. In July 2002 the lightning-caused Big Fish wildfire burned about 17,000 acres of surrounding forest.

Anglers at Trappers Lake fish for cutthroat trout, and any fish longer than 16 inches must be released; brook trout, by contrast, must be kept, as posted signs around the shore state. Only artificial flies and lures are allowed, and motorized boats and wheeled boat carts are banned.

The lake is accessible by boat during summer months with rentals available on-site. Visitors should prepare for cold water and mountain terrain, bringing warm clothing and layers.

In 1920, Forest Service surveyor Arthur Carhart recommended keeping the lake area largely off limits to development, after being hired to plan a road around it. It was the first Forest Service property set aside this way, and some call it the birthplace of the U.S. Wilderness Area system.