Badger Valley Primitive Trail

Badger Valley Primitive Trail is an 8.6-mile out-and-back from Obstruction Point to the outlet of Grand Lake. It leaves a high ridge for an open, steep traverse and switchback descent into a subalpine basin, then follows Grand Creek to the lake. You lose most of the elevation on the way in and climb it back out; plan on about six to seven hours with stops and roughly 2,080 feet of total climbing. This is a long mountain hike, not a quick walk to the water.

The first 0.3 mile crosses open slopes on Deer Ridge Trail before the Badger Valley route drops through switchbacks. It then traverses above the valley, descends to Grand Creek, and follows the stream toward Grand Lake. Expect a couple of small creek crossings where you may get your feet wet. The route ends at the lake outlet, so the return repeats the same climb back to Obstruction Point.

Mileage depends on which endpoint a description uses. The distance here is the standalone trip to Grand Lake's outlet and back; it does not include the Grand Pass return loop or the lakes beyond Grand Lake. Moose and Gladys Lakes are an optional continuation, about another mile farther.

Obstruction Point Trailhead is at the end of 7.6 miles of narrow gravel road from Hurricane Ridge Road. The road has tight switchbacks and pullouts and is not recommended for trailers or RVs; check its status before making the drive. Grand Lake has a solar composting toilet. Treat water from the creek or lake before drinking it. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. If you turn the outing into an overnight trip, wilderness permits are required year-round; Grand Valley is a quota area and bear canisters are required for camping.