Loomis Lake Trail

This is a long out-and-back from Fern Lake Trailhead, following the Fern Lake corridor toward Fern Falls, Fern Lake and Spruce Lake before continuing to Loomis Lake. The stored 10.3 miles counts the full return; the mapped corridor is about 5.15 miles each way. The approach to Spruce Lake is listed at roughly 4.6–4.7 miles, and the mapped Loomis segment adds about 0.6 mile one way. Published figures vary slightly, so treat 10.3 miles as a route-based estimate for this mapped variant.

Fern Falls is about 2.5 miles from the trailhead, Fern Lake about 3.8 miles, and Spruce Lake roughly 4.6–4.7 miles. These named stops break up the approach, but they do not make the final destination a maintained route. The Spruce approach is unmaintained in places; the continuation toward Loomis is an informal path over natural ground, with less certain visibility and wayfinding.

Some shoreline and adjacent wetlands are closed to protect sensitive wildlife. The posted closure map marks the east-side wetlands as seasonally closed from May 15 through September 30; the trail line around the north and west side remains open. Do not try to circle the lake or cross a closure to reach a preferred shore. Follow current signs and barriers if conditions or restrictions change.

The mapped path reaches the Loomis Lake area, but reliable detail about a maintained shore route, a signed turnaround, or a designated viewpoint was not available. Expect the upper segment to be informal and use a current map to judge the route as you go. The mapped line is evidence of a walked corridor, not proof that the upper path is maintained or that access is open in every condition.

The trailhead is at the end of Moraine Park Campground Road. The vehicle section between the shuttle parking area and Fern Lake Trailhead typically closes from mid-October until Memorial Day weekend, so check current access and transit before setting out. The route climbs from about 8,155 feet to roughly 10,250 feet and is a demanding 6–7-hour day. Pets are prohibited on park trails. Carry navigation and be prepared to turn back if the informal upper path or closures make continuation unclear.