Lockes Hill, lakeview trail

Hike #13!  And nothing unlucky about it! 😊

Typically we do Lockes Hill as a loop, but of course with needing to do 52 unique trails this year, we are trying to preserve as many “local” hikes as possible.  And so we’ll be doing many more out & backs for a while.  The degree of steepness on the blue trail make it a teeny bit sketchy to descend, and not entirely pleasant on the knees, but it’s not terribly intense.  We even made it down without breaking out our poles. Though I definitely considered it a couple times.

Conditions were better than expected.  We easily managed without spikes, only having to avoid a few patches of ice.  Really the most ice was at the first viewpoint by the stone chairs.  I still managed to rock hop my way in to snap some pics.

We also heard a strange noise as we were hiking down that made us pause a moment.  It was hard to tell what it was at first, as we were talking at the time.  (How unusual. LOL)  The second time we heard it, a couple minutes later, seemed to confirm one of my suspicions… it was an owl!  It's second call was clearer, and sounded truly lovely.  We imagined it was a big snowy owl, just because it sounded so pretty, but of course we have no idea, and unfortunately were not also blessed with a sighting.  Still, a nice bonus to an already pleasant hike.  

Being a weekday evening, in March no less, there were only a few other vehicles in the parking lot and we didn’t pass anyone on the trail.  However Lockes Hill is fairly popular, so expect more of a crowd on weekends or during the summer.  There is a reasonably sized parking lot, but it’s not huge, and does fill up at peaks times, so plan accordingly, and carpool whenever possible.

This is a great hike when you want something quick, a good not-too-strenuous workout, and/or beautiful views.  Trailhead parking is easily accessible off route 11 in Gilford, by the scenic view near Ellacoya.


Hike 13. 3/23 Lockes Hill lakeview trail, 1.5 mi, 53 min, 417 ft.