Heart Lake via South Boulder Creek Trail

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After crossing Moffat Tunnel, where trains and water go over the Continental Divide, the trail, which follows an old road, climbs gradually through forest to its first junction at 1.3 miles, where it meets the Forest Lakes trail near the outlet from Crater Lakes. The ascent steepens a bit to the junction with the Crater Lakes trail at 2.0 miles where many hikers leave this route.

After crossing the outlet from Clayton Lake, note that there's no marked junction and no clear side trail, even if maps suggest one. The forest then gives way to small meadows and boggy areas. After fording several side streams, the trail reaches South Boulder Creek at 3.8 miles, crossing at a scenic waterfall. Beyond this point, the landscape opens up as the trail moves through wide meadows.

Cross South Boulder Creek again, using logs or rocks, where multiple intersecting paths appear. Some lead to campsites, while others branch off to smaller ponds and lakes; look for branches or small logs that help keep you on the route toward the two main lakes.

The trail arrives at Rogers Pass Lake and turns right along its northeast shore. At the northeast corner, take the right branch to climb quickly up the cirque wall to the ridge separating the lakes, passing the trail that switchbacks up to the pass (4.7 miles), before descending to Heart Lake. You can then return back the same way you came.