Star Dune (8,617′), Great Sand Dunes N.P.

by Mike Langenkamp | May 6, 2023 | Difficult Hikes, Dog Friendly, Rocky Mountains, Sangre de Cristo Range, Trip Reports

Star Dune (8,617′), Great Sand Dunes N.P.

The Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, reaching heights of up to 750 feet at Star Dune. Some interesting facts about Star Dune:

1. The Star Dune is the tallest dune in the park, standing at a height of 755 feet. It is also one of the tallest sand dunes in the world.

2. The shape of the Star Dune is unique, with arms radiating out from the center like a star. This shape is caused by the wind patterns in the area, which come from different directions at different times.

3. The Star Dune is constantly changing shape due to the wind. It can move up to 50 feet per year, and its arms can grow or shrink depending on the wind direction.

4. The sand that makes up the Star Dune is made of quartz and feldspar, and was brought to the area by the Rio Grande River and its tributaries.

5. The Star Dune is not the only dune in the park with a unique shape. High Dune, for example, has a distinctive crescent shape, while the dunes in the northeast section of the park have a “starburst” pattern.

6. Climbing the Star Dune is a popular activity for visitors to the park. It can be a challenging climb, however, as the sand is constantly shifting and can make footing difficult. Visitors are encouraged to wear appropriate footwear and to bring plenty of water.

7. The Great Sand Dunes National Park is also home to a variety of plant and animal species, including several that are found nowhere else in the world. Some of these include the Great Sand Dunes tiger beetle, the Piñon mouse, and the sandhill crane.

8. The park is also an important archaeological site, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 11,000 years. The Ute and Apache people were among the first to live in the area.

Another interesting natural feature is Zapata Falls, located just outside the park.

Trail Stats

Star Dune

Trailhead: Dunes Trailhead
Round trip: 7 miles (11.3 km)
Elevation: 7,856′- 8,617′ (2,395 m – 2,627 m)
County: Alamosa
National Park: The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Trail Pictures

Great Sand Dunes NP in the early morning

Medano Creek flowing at the base of the sand dunes.

Shade from clouds create interesting patterns on the dunes

Sunrise in the valley

Great Sand Dunes National Park is located in the San Luis Valley of Colorado, USA and covers an area of over 30 square miles.

The sand dunes are constantly changing shape due to wind and weather patterns. They can shift up to 50 feet in just one year.

There are no trails through the dunes as the sand would erase them in a matter of hours.

The summit of Star Dune (8,617′) ahead.

The final push to the summit was very steep

From the summit there are 360 degree views of the park

Most of the park is deserted, with most of the activity taking place near the Medano creek parking lots.

Medano Creek cutting through the dunes

GPX with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

Average round trip hiking time for High Dune is 6 hours over 7 miles (11.3 km). There is no trail. Popular hiking applications are often inaccurate. Plan to take as much as 9 hours to hike roundtrip as hiking on loose sand is difficult.

The dune now measures 741 feet (225 m) from base to summit. While it can be hiked from the summit of High Dune on First Ridge, it’s more direct, and less up and down, to access it via its base along the Medano Creek bed. From the Dunes Parking Lot, hike about 2 miles (3.2 km) south down the Medano Creek bed until the massive pyramid-shaped Star Dune comes into view. Follow a ridge to its summit.

Trailhead Directions

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Black Canyon of the Gunnison N.P. (8,500′)

by Mike Langenkamp | Aug 23, 2022 | Dog Friendly, Easy Hikes, Rocky Mountains, Trip Reports

Black Canyon of the Gunnison N.P. (8,500′)

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison park contains 12 miles (19 km) of the 48-mile (77 km) long Black Canyon of the Gunnison River. The national park contains the deepest and most dramatic section of the canyon. The canyon’s name comes from the long shadows, where portions of the gorge only receive 1/2 hr of sunlight a day.

The park has a north and south rim, with the south rim being the most popular. The South Rim Road runs along the edge of the the canyon, being a little over 8 miles long with 12 viewpoints. The viewpoints showcase some of the world’s oldest exposed rock, Precambrian or “basement” rock that is nearly 2 billion years old.

Intresting stats:
Painted Wall – 2,250′ – tallest cliff in Colorado
The Narrows – 40′ wide
Chasm View – narrowest point on the rim – 1,100′ wide
Warner Point – deepest point – 2,722′

Dogs are allowed in the park at all the overlooks. However, the canyon below the rim is designated a wilderness area, where dogs are not allowed.

Trail Stats

Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Trailhead: Hwy 347 (South Rim)
Round trip: 16.7 miles / 26.9 km
Elevation: 8,500′- 6,200′ / 2,591 m – 1,890 m
County: Montrose
Agency: National Park Service
Nat’l Park: Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Wilderness: Gunnison Gorge Wilderness (below canyon rim)

Trail Pictures

South Rim entrance

A weather tested Juniper near the rim

Cedar Point Overlook

View of the Gunnison River from Cedar Point overlook

Rim Rock trail

The park contains 12 miles of the 48 mile canyon

Typical trail conditions to the overlooks

Only 30 minutes of sunlight reach parts of the inner canyon

Sunset View Overlook

View near High Point overlook

Painted Wall overlook view

Close up of the Painted Wall

Gunnison River from Painted View overlook

View from the Tomichi Point area

At it’s most narrow point, the canyon is only 40″ wide at the bottom

Over 2,500′ straight down

View of the North Rim

Some of the rock in the canyon is over 2 billion years old

There are no trails to the bottom, only suggested routes

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is an International Dark Sky Park

Gunnison Point next to the South Rim visitors center

View of the canyon as it winds its way to the southeast

GPX with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

There are two primary entrances to the park: the south rim entrance is located 15 miles (24 km) east of Montrose, while the north rim entrance is 11 miles (18 km) south of Crawford and is closed in the winter. The park contains 12 miles (19 km) of the 48-mile (77 km) long Black Canyon of the Gunnison River. The national park itself contains the deepest and most dramatic section of the canyon, but the canyon continues upstream into Curecanti National Recreation Area and downstream into Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area.

Trailhead Directions

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Argentine Pass (13,207′), Front Range

by Dorann Langenkamp | Jul 30, 2022 | Difficult 4x4, Dog Friendly, Front Range, Rocky Mountains, Trip Reports

Argentine Pass (13,207′), Front Range

Argentine Pass is the highest named vehicle-accessible pass in Colorado. Vehicle travel is only possible on the Georgetown side of the pass (during the summer months) by a four-wheel drive vehicle with high-clearance. The trail on the Horseshoe Basin side is only accessible by foot or by mountain bike. The pass is also the highest point on the American Discovery Trail, perched on the Continental Divide.

The pass has many great hiking destinations, and provides a ridgeline walk to Gray’s Peak (14,270′), a great alternative to busy Stevens Gulch if you have a 4×4.

Trail Stats

Argentine Pass

Trailhead: Guanella Pass Road (County Road 381)
Round trip: 15.8 miles / 25.4 km (moderate difficulty)
Elevation: 9,514′- 13′207 / 2,900 m – 4,026 m
County: Clear Creek
National Forest: Arapaho

Trail Pictures

Aspen groves along the trail

Waterfall along the trail

Early morning start

The narrow road popping out above treeline

Through the tundra to the summit

Beautiful drive to Argentine Pass

The road does require a high clearance vehicle

A few creek crossings along the route

It’s about 8 miles to the pass from the turnoff

Temperatures as low as −59 °F (−50.6 °C) have been recorded on the pass.

The route is very rocky throughout

FSR 724.1 winding across the tundra

View of Gray’s and Torreys (right) from Argentine Pass

Grays Peak (in the Shade) with Torreys to the right and Ruby Mountain on the left

Ruby Mountain (13,228′)

Grays Peak (right of center) is the highest point along the Continental Divide

Survey marker at the top of Argentine Pass

Ridgeline from Argentine Pass to Gray’s Peak

Horseshoe Basin below Grays Peak

Argentine Pass view to the west

View of the Peru Creek drainage to the west

View of Argentine Peak (13,733′) from the pass

There is no motorized route down the west side of the pass

The peak wind speed recorded at the pass as of 1912 was 165 miles per hour (266 km/h), at which point the measuring equipment was blown away.

View northeast on the way down

Bring a map as there are no signs to the pass

GPX with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

Take exit 228 from I-25W, go under the freeway and take a right (west) at the 4 way stop. Follow the signs to Guanella Pass through the historic downtown area of Georgetown.

About 2.5 miles out of Georgetown watch for a small parking lot on the right side of one of the switchbacks. This will begin the road to the pass, FR248.1. As of this writing, there are no signs to the pass, so bring a map.

Trailhead Directions

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Rollins Pass (11,671′), Front Range

by Dorann Langenkamp | Jul 30, 2022 | Dog Friendly, Easy 4x4, Front Range, Rocky Mountains, Trip Reports

Rollins Pass (11,671′), Front Range

Rollins Pass is located on the Continental Divide, approximately five miles east of Winter Park, when approaching from the west. The abandoned rail route over the pass was designated a National Register of Historic Places in 1980 because of engineering feats accomplished by railroading efforts in the early 20th century.

The 4×4 trail takes you along one of the highest and most dangerous railroad routes ever built. The railroad had to deal with huge snow drifts, arctic climates, and steep grades, causing many incidents over the years. The route was used until 1927, when the nearby Moffat Tunnel was completed.

The route chosen was to climb to the pass from the west side heading east. Regardless, the route from either side is out and back. The route across the pass is closed from the Continental Divide to the Needle’s Eye Tunnel to motorized traffic.

Trail Stats

Rollins Pass

Trailhead: Hwy 40 – Winter Park
Round trip: 20.6 miles / 33.2 km (easy)
Elevation: 9,105′- 11,671′ / 2,776 m – 3,558 m
County: Grand
National Forest: Arapaho
Wilderness: James Peak Protection Area

Trail Pictures

Entrance from I-40

Aspen groves along the trail

View from the west side of the pass

Rollins Pass is sometimes given the nickname of Corona Pass, named for the apex station at the summit, Corona

The abandoned rail route over Rollins Pass accepted into the National Register of Historic Places in 1980

The trail to Rollins Pass as it climbs above treeline

Rollins Pass is scheduled open for vehicular summer traffic from June 15 through November 15

View to the west from the trail

Heading east to the pass

Nearing Rollins Pass summit

Pumphouse Lake below Mt Epworth

The trail is easy with the exception of a couple of rocky sections

Mt Epworth on the left

The route was used for nearly two decades as a wagon road from 1862–1880

Rollins Pass summit look east at the closed road

View from the top of the pass

View of Skyscraper Peak and glacier on the right from Rollins Pass

GPX with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

Take the Corona Pass Rd turnoff on the northbound side of US-40 just south of Winter Park. The pass once had a town called Corona at the summit, which is why the road has it’s name. The road is very rocky at the begining, and in sections all the way up. Stay on the main road all the way to the pass.

At the summit you will be in what was once the town of Corona. The route across the pass is closed from the Continental Divide to the Needle’s Eye Tunnel to motorized traffic, so retrace your route back down.

Trailhead Directions

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Lower Fish Creek Falls (7,420′), Park Range

by Mike Langenkamp | May 22, 2022 | Dog Friendly, Easy Hikes, Park Range, Rocky Mountains, Trip Reports

Lower Fish Creek Falls (7,420′), Park Range

Lower Fish Creek Falls is a 283′ waterfall located about 5 miles to the east of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. There are two trails which provide great views of the falls. First is the Overlook, a 1/4 mile handicapped-friendly accessible trail, which is relatively flat. The second trail, a National Recreation Trail , is also 1/4 mile long but drops 100′ down to a foot bridge at the base of the falls.

Another destination worth exploring is a 1/2 hour south of Steamboat Springs. Outside the town of Yampa, lies the eastern end of the Flat Top Scenic Byway. The Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway (County Road 8), runs through the northern portion of the Flat Tops Wilderness.

Trail Stats

Lower Fish Creek Falls

Trailhead: Fish Creek Falls National Recreation Trail
Round trip: .5 miles / .8 km
Elevation: 7,520′ – 7,420′ / 2,292 m – 2,262 m
County: Routt
Nat’l Forest: Routt

Trail Pictures

View from the overlook trail of the National Recreation Area

The Overlook trail is flat and paved the whole way

The Overlook trail is handicap accessible

The falls from the Overlook trail

283′ falls view from the overlook

Designated a National Recreation Trail

A picnic area near the trailhead

The trail winds through aspen and evergreen forests

The National Recreation Trail nearing the falls

May morning at the base of the falls

View from the foot bridge

Spring snow melt has the falls roaring

GPS Route with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

There are two hiking trails from the parking lot at the end of Fish Creek Fall Road.

Fish Creek Falls Overlook: 1/4 of a mile (400 m) of paved trail which is handicap accesible and relatively flat. It ends at a viewing station where the entirety of the falls can be seen.

Base of the Falls: the 1/4 mile trail goes down into the U-shaped valley formed by glaciers. At the bottom of the valley is a foot bridge over Fish Creek with a close up view of the falls. The trail continues on to Upper Fish Creek Falls and then to the Wyoming Trail, a long trail running the northwestern mountains of Colorado to Wyoming.

Trailhead Directions

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Mt Sniktau (13,234′), Front Range

by Mike Langenkamp | Jan 23, 2022 | Difficult Hikes, Dog Friendly, Front Range, Rocky Mountains, Snowshoeing, Trip Reports

Mt Sniktau (13,234′), Front Range

Mount Sniktau sits just east of the Continental Divide on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. The summit is located less than a mile south of Interstate 70, and east of the Eisenhower Tunnel. Despite being close to an Interstate and being one of the windiest places in Colorado, Mt Sniktau made the list because of the epic views from the summit.

From the ridge, you will see Loveland Pass below at 11,990 ft (3,655 m), Torreys Peak (14,267′), with Grays Peak (14,270′) popping up behind it to the southeast. There are too many more peaks to list that you can see from the summit, but some others include Mt. Evans 14,264′, Quandary Peak (14,265′), Mt. Parnassus (13er), Mt. Bard (13er), Longs Peak 14,255′, and Mt. of the Holy Cross (14,005). Also visible is the Tenmile/Mosquito Range and hundreds of other peaks. To the west are the ski runs of Loveland Ski Area, Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, and Breckenridge across the Continental Divide. What a view!

The name “Sniktau” refers to the pen name of Edwin H. N. Patterson, journalist and editor of the Colorado Miner in the Clear Creek County area during the 1860s. Patterson was a close friend of the famous poet, Edgar Allan Poe.

Trail Stats

Mt Sniktau

Trailhead: Grizzly Peak / Loveland Pass
Round trip: 4 miles / 6.4 km
Elevation: 11,990′ – 13,234′ / 3,655 m – 4,034 m
County: Clear Creek
Forest: Arapaho

Trail Pictures

Mt Sniktau 13,234′

On the climb to the ridge with Loveland Pass below

View of Arapaho Basin

Heading to the ridge above

View along the ridge

Looking back along the route to a false summit

Torreys Peak 14,267′ From Mt Sniktau

Looking back along the ridgeline

View to the NW

I-70 Eisenhower Tunnel – highest point on U.S. interstate system

View looking north

Endless mountain peaks in every direction

Summit view looking east with I-70 below

Mt. Parnassus (13,574′) and Bard Peak (13,641′) from the summit of Mt. Sniktau

Torreys Peak 14,267′ from Mt Sniktau’s ridgeline

Mt Sniktau with two people on the summit

View of Quandary Peak 14,265′ in the distance (left of center)

Looking back after gaining 1,000′ to the ridge

HWY 6 winding it’s way to Loveland Pass

Heading to the ridge and then left

First objective is to get up to the ridgeline

Looking back at the trailhead

GPS Route with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

From the parking lot, head east towards Mt Sniktau. You’ll first climb to the saddle at point 12,915, a mile ahead of you. After gaining the ridge, take a left (north) to continue up the southwest ridge. Head towards another bump which is a false summit at 13,152 feet.

Hike through a short rocky section to reach the final false summit. You can now see the remaining route to reach the true peak’s summit. Keep hiking and drop about 250 feet into the saddle before you ascend for another quarter mile to reach the summit.

Trailhead Directions

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Wager Gulch (12,350′), San Juan Range

by Dorann Langenkamp | Sep 16, 2021 | Dog Friendly, Moderate 4x4, Rocky Mountains, San Juan Range, Trip Reports

Wager Gulch (12,350′), San Juan Range

The road up Wager Gulch (high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle recommended), leads to the remnants of the abandoned mining town of Carson, on the way up to the Continental Divide and beyond. Founded in 1889, Carson reached its peak at the turn of the century when some 500 miners worked the mountain. Carson fell victim to the harsh winters of Colorado, being situated almost directly on the Continental Divide. It was considered one of the most inaccessible mining camps in Colorado. To access, take Wager Gulch road located south of Lake City, immediately off the Alpine Loop.

While in the area you may also want to explore Hurricane (12,730′) and California Pass (12,960′) which intersect further northwest along the Alpine Loop. Stony Pass provides a route to the headwaters of the Rio Grande river.

Trail Stats

Wager Gulch

Trailhead: Lake City
Round trip: 30 miles / 48 km (moderate difficulty)
Elevation: 8,872′ – 12,350′ / 2,704 m – 3,764 m
County: Hinsdale
National Forest: Gunnison
Wilderness: Handies Peak

Trail Pictures

Lake San Cristobal south of Lake City

Rough road as you leave the Alpine Loop

Climbing through dense forest

Lots of Aspen groves

Fall colors at higher altitudes

Forests start to thin above 11,000′

Well preserved buildings in Carson

Owner allows visitors to Carson

View out of a window in Carson

Well preserved buildings

Moose in center of picture in Carson

Lake next to Carson

Mining equipment

One of the most remote mining towns in Colorado

View from the main building

View of the Continental Divide from Carson

Road above Carson

Nearing the Continental Divide

The top of Wager Gulch just ahead

View of the southern side of the Continental Divide

Looking back north to the Continental Divide

FS 821 on the southern side of the Continental Divide

Vehicles allowed on a short section of the Colorado Trail

Mining ruins on the left

Heading north, back to Carson over the Continental Divide

The road above Carson climbing to the Continental Divide

Wager Gulch from the Continental Divide

Carson, situated just below the Continental Divide

Heading north, back to Lake City

Spectacular fall colors in mid September

Wager Gulch road winding through the foliage

Shelf road back through dense forests

Likely mudslide area during heavy rain

Small waterfall next to Wager Gulch Rd

GPS Route with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

From Lake City enter the Alpine Loop on County Road 30. From there take the Wager Gulch Rd turnoff heading south.

As you start Wager Gulch road continue uphill following Wager Creek. Continue on switchbacks as you climb above the creek and head through the forest. Stay on the main road.

After numerous switchbacks the road will cross an open area of the gulch with Carson Mountain to the west. At the next intersection the left road will take you to the ghost town of Carson, which is visible just across Wager Creek. There is an area to park and explore the buildings. Keep in mind that they are private property so repect the property. A short distance up the gulch from the town are the tailings of two mines. The road will top out on the Continental Divide and descend southward.

Trailhead Directions

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Alpine Loop (12,800′), San Juan Range

by Dorann Langenkamp | Sep 14, 2021 | Dog Friendly, Moderate 4x4, San Juan Range, Trip Reports

Alpine Loop (12,800′), San Juan Range

The Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway is a rugged 4×4 road that winds through the spectacular scenery of the San Juan Mountains, connecting Lake City, Silverton, and Ouray. The loop traverses passes up to 12,800 feet while showcasing old mines, ghost towns, natural wonders, beautiful wildflowers, and abundant wildlife. Take a 10 minute detour while on the way to Cinnamon Pass to treat yourself to American Basin, one of the most beautiful places in Colorado.

Tackling the loop in its entirety is easily an all-day adventure. However, the main loop is only part of the experience; miles of designated side routes allow visitors to either take a short tour or extend their trip to multiple days. Hurricane (12,730′) and California Pass (12,960′) are two such examples that take you north from the Alpine Loop. For something closer to Lake City, tackle Wager Gulch to the Continental Divide.

Trail Stats

Alpine Loop

Trailhead: Lake City
Round trip: 65 miles / 105 km (moderate difficulty)
Elevation: 9,000′ – 12,800′ / 2,743 m – 3,902 m
County: San Juan / Hinsdale
National Forest: San Juan
Wilderness: Uncompahgre

Trail Pictures

Lake San Cristobal

County Road 30 heading southwest

Alpine Loop sign on County Road 30

Valley along County Road 30

Sherman Overlook

Heading toward American Basin

Sign for three 14’ers

Heading northwest on CR30

10 minute drive off the Alpine Loop to American Basin

Gaining elevation to treeline

Looking back at the route up CR30

Cinnamon Pass 12,640′

Heading north

Above Animas Forks

Heading to Engineer Pass

Climbing to Engineer Pass

Turning east to Engineer Pass

Looking back at County Road 20

Variable conditions on the ledge road

Nearing Engineer Pass

View near Engineer Pass

Just west of the pass

The final push to the pass

View from Engineer Pass

County Road 20 heading east

Engineer Pass 12,800′

Darley Mountain on the right

Views in all directions

Old cabin high in the San Juans

Heading east down County Road 20

Fall in full force at higher elevations

County Road 20

Nearing Lake City

Cliff walls along County road 20 near Lake City

GPS Route with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

Tucked away in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado is the Alpine Loop National Backcountry Byway. Located northeast of Silverton, Colorado in San Juan and Hinsdale Counties, the circular route makes its way from Lake City south along CO-149, to County Road 30, which turns west over Cinnamon Pass (12,640 feet) to Animas Forks, and then returns east over Engineer Pass (12,800) back to Lake City along County Road 20. The loop is best traveled in a clockwise direction.

From Lake City enter the Alpine Loop on either County Road 30 or County Road 20. From Silverton enter the Alpine Loop on County Road 2. From Ouray enter the Alpine Loop on County Road 18.

Trailhead Directions

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Greenhorn Mountain (12,352′), Wet Mountain Range

by Mike Langenkamp | Aug 28, 2021 | Dog Friendly, Moderate Hikes, Rocky Mountains, Trip Reports, Wet Mountain Range

Greenhorn Mountain (12,352′), Wet Mountain Range

Greenhorn Mountain is the highest summit of the Wet Mountain range, located on the southern end of the range. Greenhorn Mountain can be seen from Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Trinidad, and also from along Interstate 25 rising over 7,000 feet (2,100 m) above the great plains to the east. The mountain range is protected within the secluded Greenhorn Mountain Wilderness Area, which has few trails, accessible for hiking or horseback only.

The seclusion of the area means driving on a dirt road for over 20 miles to reach the upper trailhead. During the summer of 2021 the road was well maintained and can be easily travelled by most stock vehicles in dry conditions.

Trail Stats

Greenhorn Mountain

Trailhead: Greenhorn/Bartlett
Round trip: 5.5 miles / 8.8 km
Elevation: 10,990′ – 12,352′ / 3,350 m – 3,765 m
County: Pueblo
National Forest: San Isabel
Wilderness: Greenhorn Mountain

Trail Pictures

View from the parking lot

Morning on the Bartlett trail

Northwest view from the summit

The road was closed long ago, only allowing hiking and horseback riding

Greenhorn Mountain’s western flank

Greenhorn Mountain on the left

Heading up Greenhorn Mountain from the south

Windbreak on the summit of Greenhorn Mountain

View of the Wet Mountain Valley

Ridgeline from Greenhorn Mountain to Unnamed Peak 12,266

Greenhorn Mountain

Unnamed Peak 12,266 summit

View to the north with Pikes Peak barely visible

Heading north along the ridge

Looking south with the Spanish Peaks in the distance

Looking east across the high plains

The Bartlett trail from the side of Greenhorn Mountain

The Bartlett trail below winding back to the trailhead

Endless views

Heading up unnamed peak 12,661

Greenhorn Mountains flat summit area

View to the south

The two Spanish Peaks in the distance

Southeastern flank of Greenhorn Mountain

Heading down the saddle

Views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range across the valley

Looking west from the trail

An easy trail through spectacular scenery

View west from the trail

The road near the trailhead

GPS Route with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

From the upper trailhead I made a loop that includes both the south and north summits. If you choose to hike the loop counterclockwise like I did, head southeast along the Bartlett Trail for a little over a mile. As the trail begins to wrap around the Greenhorn Mountain summit cone, leave the trail on the southern side of the mountain, and continue a half-mile climb to the summit. Note: There is no trail to the summit.

From the summit, you can retrace your route back to the trailhead if wind and bad weather are a problem. If the day is clear, a more scenic option is to traverse the easy ridge heading north. To return to the trailhead, I decended off the second saddle, down the west slope of the ridge back to the Bartlett trail close to the trailhead.

Trailhead Directions

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Music Pass (11,450′), Sangre de Cristo Range

by Mike Langenkamp | Aug 8, 2021 | Dog Friendly, Moderate Hikes, Rocky Mountains, Sangre de Cristo Range, Trip Reports

Music Pass (11,450′), Sangre de Cristo Range

Music Pass is a east/west pass across the southern Sangre de Cristo range connecting the Wet Valley in the east with the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve on the western side. The road gets progressively worse as you near the trailhead, so without a high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle, you should park at the Grape Creek Trailhead and hike the last 2.5 miles to the Music Pass trailhead. The trail stats assume that you are beginning your hike at the Music Pass Trailhead.

Reaching the pass, you have a stunning views of the Upper Sand Creek basin that includes 13ers Marble Mountain, Milwaukee Peak, Music Mountain, and Tijeras Peak.

The Sangre de Cristo range has a wide range of remote and rugged hikes, such as Lily Lake, South Colony Lakes, and Humboldt Peak .

Trail Stats

Music Pass

Trailhead: Music Pass
Round trip: 3 miles / 4.8 km
Elevation: 10,730′ – 11,450′ / 3490 m
County: Huerfano
Wilderness: Sangre de Cristo
National Park: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Trail Pictures

The road becomes more difficult after the Grape Creek TH

Near the trailhead

The trail used to be open to vehicles decades ago

First mile of the trail is in dense forest

The trail alternates between steep and level areas

Upper Sand Creek basin

Easy to follow trail from the trailhead

Inviting meadows about a mile into the hike

Once on the pass head north up a small hill for incredible views.

Wildflowers in full bloom

Reaching Music Pass from the east

Marble Mountain (13,266′) to the north of Music Pass

View of Music Pass from the north

Music Pass (11,450′)

View south towards Blueberry Peak

Every year it becomes more difficult to plan hikes around the smoke from fires to the west

View of the western side of the valley

Looking north from the pass

View northeasterly from the pass

View to the east of the Wet Valley shrouded in smoke

Views to the west of 13rs Milwaukee Mountain and Music Peak

Music Pass and the Sangre de Cristo wilderness boundary

Entering the Great Sand Dunes National Preserve

An abundance of mushrooms along the trail.

Nearing Music Pass from the east

CR 119 leaving Music Pass Rd

GPS Route with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

From the parking area at the end of Music Pass Road the trail immediately enters a dense conifer forest as it begins climbing toward the pass. Initially you won’t see much but trees, but after about a mile the forest starts to become more open, giving you some great views of the Wet Mountain Valley on the east side of the Sangre de Cristo Range.

Finally, just before reaching the pass you will pass a sign indicating that you are entering the Great Sand Dunes National Preserve, an extension of the Great Sand Dunes National Park on the western side of the range. This point also marks the eastern boundary of the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area.

Trailhead Directions

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Potato Lake (9,800′), San Juan Range

by Mike Langenkamp | Jul 6, 2021 | Dog Friendly, Easy Hikes, Rocky Mountains, San Juan Range, Trip Reports

Potato Lake (9,800′), San Juan Range

Spud Lake Trail #661 to Potato Lake is beautiful and short, with minimal elevation gain, making this an extremely popular hike. Passing through aspen glades, it offers excellent views of Engineer Mountain, Grayrock Peak, and Spud Mountain, along with good views of the Needle Mountains to the east. The natural lake has excellent fishing and a pleasant place to relax. This is a great summer hike for all ages, and the aspen leaves during the fall can be spectacular. Spud Lake has excellent fishing for brook trout and cutthroat trout.

Trail Stats

Potato Lake

Trailhead: Spud Lake TH #661
Round trip: 2.2 miles / 3.5 km
Elevation: 9,400′ – 9,800′ / 2,865 m – 2,987 m
County: La Plata
National Forest: San Juan

Trail Pictures

Heading toward Spud Trail # 661

Road to the trailhead. High clearance vehicle advised

A lake filled with lily pads across from the trailhead

The Spud Trail TH

Near the beginning of the trail

Aspen grew into a tree holder

Beautiful Aspen groves along the trail

Beaver ponds along the trail

Elevation gain on the trail is minimal

The trail winding through the San Juan Wilderness

A beaver pond just before the lake

A well defined trail to the lake

View of Engineer Mountain (12,968′) from the trail

Lots of Aspens mixed in with the Conifer trees

First view of the lake from the trail

Nice beach areas around the lake

West end of Potato Lake

View of a water inlet to the lake

Wildflowers in July along the shore

Beaver home on the west side

Needle Mountains in the background

The lake is dog friendly

The trail takes you all the way around the lake

Beautiful Lake near Durango

Potato Lake is a natural body of water

GPS Route with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

Drive approximately 28.5 miles north on U.S. 550. Just past the bridge over Cascade Creek, turn right onto Lime Creek Road, #591. Follow road for about 3 miles. High clearance vehicles recommended for last part of road. Trailhead is on the north (left) side of road across the street from a beautiful pond full of lilies.

The trailhead is unmarked but the trail itself is well defined. There are no trail junctions, so just follow the trail to the lake, passing beside beaver ponds until you reach Potato Lake.

Trailhead Directions

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Lily Lake (12,385′), Sangre de Cristo Range

by Mike Langenkamp | Jun 12, 2021 | Dog Friendly, Moderate Hikes, Rocky Mountains, Sangre de Cristo Range, Trip Reports

Lily Lake (12,385′), Sangre de Cristo Range

This trail is one of the more beautiful in the state with lots of bang for your buck. The trail starts out at 10,400 feet, hiking in an beautiful valley surrounded by huge mountain scenery, and is virtually flat. So if you don’t want to make the climb up to Lilly Lake you still have amazing views and really great creek fishing with lots of good camping options on the valley floor.

If you make the hike up, you can see Mt. Lindsey, Mt. Blanca, Mt. Ellingwood, and the Iron Nipple from Lilly Lake. From the Valley you can see all but Lindsey. Lilly Lake offers amazing views, an alpine environment just above treeline.

The Sangre de Cristo range has a wide range of remote and rugged hikes, such as Music Pass, South Colony Lakes, and Humboldt Peak .

Trail Stats

Lily Lake

Trailhead: Lily Lake TH #1308
Round trip: 7.5 miles / 12 km
Elevation: 10,400′ – 12,385′ / 3,170 m – 3,775 m
County: Huerfano
Wilderness: Sangre de Cristo

Trail Pictures

Mid-morning near the trailhead

Blanca Peak (14,345′) in the far right distance

Meadow near the trailhead

Rocky trail but well defined

Snowmelt everywhere creating small waterfalls

Mt Lindsey (14,042′) right of center

Last push to Lily Lake

Lily Lake on top of the hill ahead

Incredible scenery along the trail

Snow quickly melting mid-June

Ellingwood Point (14,042′) to the left of the lake

The view at treeline

Shallow snow drifts along the trail

Turning west towards the lake

Lots of water crossings along the trail

One of many waterfalls

Spring snowmelt along the trail

Beautiful scenery the entire way

View south along the trail

Avalanche area along the trail

The trail follows Huerfano creek

GPS Route with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

From the trailhead, follow clear signs to the Lily Lake Trail (there are no other trails at this TH). Head south and walk through a large meadow. From here, you can see the Blanca Massif straight ahead, with the Iron Nipple (13er) across the basin to its left. Hike one mile on mostly flat, clear terrain before coming to a trail junction with a sign for Lily Lake. Stay right (left will take you up Mt. Lindsey).

Continue up through the forest on excellent trail. You’ll continue to gain little elevation – just 1,500 ft over almost 3 miles from this point on. For most of the hike, Huerfano River will be on your left. At about 3 miles from the trailhead, at 11,600 ft, cross it and come to a large clearing with some boulders ahead and to your right. Loop up and back to your right, dipping briefly back into the forest. Just before the lake you come to a headwall just below the lake. Continue up and reach the lake at around 12,385 ft.

Trailhead Directions

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Pancake Rocks (11,060′), Front Range

by Mike Langenkamp | Nov 1, 2020 | Dog Friendly, Front Range, Moderate Hikes, Rocky Mountains, Trip Reports

Pancake Rocks (11,060′), Front Range

Pancake Rocks Trail shares the trailhead used to reach Horsethief Falls for the first .7 miles. The trail climbs trough heavy forest before leveling out near the two trail junctions. At the second junction you can go straight for a .5 mile trip to Horsethief Falls, or turn right to reach the interesting stacked pancake looking granite formations 2 miles away.

The Crags are also nearby and a great hike to a scenic overlook.

Trail Stats

Pancake Rocks

Trailhead: Horsethief Park Trail
Round trip: 7 miles / 11.3 km
Elevation: 9,680′ – 11,060′ / 2,950 m – 3,371 m
County: Teller
Agency: U.S. Forest Service
Nat’l Forest: Pike

Trail Pictures

Near the trailhead

Head straight at the first intersection

Sentinel Point 12,513

Trail begins with a steep hike

A Gray Jay hanging out

The trail becomes steep again with switchbacks through the forest

Well used trail through the forest

The Crags peaking through

Once on the ridge, good views to the west

Pancake rocks around the side of the hill ahead

Climbed rocks nearby to get a northwestern view

Great views from the rock outcropping

Pancake Rocks looking west

Beautiful views on a bluebird day

View to the southeast

View to the southwest

The main rock grouping

Pancake Rocks

Seating for giants

A shelter under a large pancake

Rock formations near Pancake Rocks

The Crags looking north through the trees

View from the trail to the northwest

Old signage

An excellent trail near the trailhead

GPS Route with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

The trail starts on the SE corner of the parking lot. Trail #704 to Horsethief Park begins by climbing steeply into a dense forest. Once the terrain levels out you come across a left turn marked with a ring-the-peak signpost. Say straight at the junction to continue to Horsethief Falls.

There is ample signage at the second trail junction, where you will head to the right (south) up Pancake Rocks Trail. The are many switchbacks and the trail is steep.

Once you gain the ridgeline, the rest of the hike is on easier terrain. The trail winds along the ridge and drops in elevation before reaching Pancake Rocks.

Trailhead Directions

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Mosquito Pass (13,185′), Mosquito Range

by Dorann Langenkamp | Sep 13, 2020 | Difficult 4x4, Dog Friendly, Mosquito Range, Rocky Mountains, Trip Reports

Mosquito Pass (13,185′), Mosquito Range

Mosquito Pass was built to connect the towns of Alma to the east, with Leadville to the west. It is the highest crossable vehicle mountain pass in the U.S. outside of Alaska. While there are higher vehicle passes, they are all out and back. The trail crosses the Continental Divide, between the Arkansas and South Platte Rivers.

The Mosquito Range is also home to five 14,000′ peaks; Mt Sherman, Mt Democrat, Mt Cameron, Mt Lincoln, and Mt Bross.