Naylor, Silver Dollar, and Murray Lake (12,200′)

by Mike Langenkamp | Sep 15, 2024 | Dog Friendly, Front Range, Moderate Hikes, Rocky Mountains, Trip Reports

Naylor, Silver Dollar, and Murray Lake (12,200′)

The trail features three lakes: Naylor Lake (11,378′), Silver Dollar Lake (11,972′), and Murray Lake (12,178′). The trail climbs a bit over 1,000 ft in elevation over the course of 4.1 miles.

The trail is a well maintained out and back leaving little room to get lost unless it is snow covered. You climb through the forest, eventually breaking treeline once past the first lake (Naylor Lake). This lake is private, with no access, but provides a nice view from the trail. The trail then runs right along the shore of Silver Dollar Lake, before climbing steeply to Murray Lake.

Trail Stats

Naylor, Silver Dollar, and Murray Lake

Trailhead: Silver Dollar Lake Trail
Round trip: 4.2 miles (6.7 km)
Elevation: 11,200′- 12,200′ (3,414 m – 3,719 m)
County: Clear Creek
National Forest: Arapahoe & Roosevelt

Trail Pictures

Trail winds through dense willows

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Naylor Lake

Pika!

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Murray Lake

Murray Lake outlet flowing into Silver Dollar Lake

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GPX with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

Silver Dollar Lake trail is located off Naylor Lake Rd, which is right off Guanella Pass. Guanella Pass is a high elevation mountain pass that connects the towns of Georgetown and Grant. You’ll drive up 0.7 miles on Naylor Lake Rd until you come across a small dirt parking lot (and the trailhead is right at this lot.

The trail is a well maintained out and back leaving little room to get lost unless it is snow covered. You climb through the forest, eventually breaking treeline once past the first lake (Naylor Lake). This lake is private, with no access, but provides a nice view from the trail. The trail then runs right along the shore of Silver Dollar Lake, before climbing steeply to Murray Lake.

Trailhead Directions

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Lost Lake (9,850′), Front Range

by Mike Langenkamp | Apr 13, 2024 | Dog Friendly, Front Range, Moderate Hikes, Rocky Mountains, Snowshoeing, Trip Reports

Lost Lake (9,850′), Front Range

Lost Lake is an alpine lake surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Indian Peaks Wilderness. It’s a perfect destination for a day trip. The lake’s crystal-clear waters are a popular spot for fly fishing. Keep an eye out for a glimpse of moose, which are commonly seen along the trail

Lost Lake is located just outside of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, therefore, wilderness regulations do not apply. You may camp without a permit in one of the established camping spots. You may also bring your dog, a leash is required.

Trail Stats

Lost Lake

Trailhead: Hessie
Round trip: 4.7 miles / 7.5 km
Elevation: 8,965′ – 9,850′ / 2,732m – 2,728m
County: Boulder
National Forest: Roosevelt

Trail Pictures

Lost Lake

View of Lost Lake from the south shore.

Road closed 1/2 mile from the Hessie Trailhead

Mid-April snow melting quickly.

Hessie Trailhead

Deep snow covering a bridge, with only a handrail visible.

Trail conditions

The trail runs mostly through dense forest but opens up for this view.

Hiking in the early morning while the snow is still frozen, which can support me without snowshoes.

First glimpse of Lost Lake

View from the north shore.

View from the south shore of Lost Lake

GPX with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

From the Hessie Trailhead, cross the footbridge and take the Devil’s Thumb Trail (#902), which climbs steeply for about a 1/2 mile on an old road. Do not take the Devil’s thumb Bypass, which turns right (north) in 0.9 miles, just before the bridge. Instead, cross the bridge and stay on the main Devil’s Thumb Trail.

It is 1.1 miles from the trailhead to the Lost Lake Trail junction. Turn left (south) following signs for Lost Lake Trail #813. The lake is up another 1/2 mile on a good trail.

Trailhead Directions

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Arapaho Pass (11,950′), Front Range

by Mike Langenkamp | Aug 14, 2023 | Dog Friendly, Front Range, Moderate Hikes, Rocky Mountains, Trip Reports

Arapaho Pass (11,950′), Front Range

From the east, access to Arapaho Pass can be found along a rough 2WD road that provides access to the Fouth of July Trailhead. The trail begins in dense forest with wonderful fields of wildflowers blooming in the summer months. For part of the hike to the top of the pass, the trail follows an old stage-coach road. It also passes the remains of the Fourth of July Mine near treeline. Miners dug silver ore from the Fourth of July Mine in the late 1800s. In the early 1900s they switched over to searching for copper. Over the 300-foot mine shaft once stood a timber head frame, where miners and equipment were lowered into the main tunnel, which was over a mile long. At the top, Arapaho Pass sits on the famous Continental Divide that runs through the Colorado mountains.

Trail Stats

Arapaho Pass

Trailhead: Fourth of July Trailhead
Round trip: 6.8 miles (10.9 km)
Elevation: 10,100′- 11,950′ (3,078 m – 3,642 m)
County: Boulder
Wilderness: Indian Peaks

Trail Pictures

Early morning on the 4th of July trail.

The trail is ovious all the way to the top of the pass

Wildflowers still in bloom in mid August

Crossing a waterfall along the trail.

View from the Aprapaho Pass trail

Southwest view from the trail.

View back to the 4th of July trailhead.

View back into the North Fork, Middle Boulder Creek drainage from the top of the pass.

View of Mt Neva from the top of the pass.

Satanta Peak with Caribou Lake on the west side of the Continental Divide.

A windbreak at the top of Arapaho Pass.

The trail going up a small ridgeline extending from South Arapaho Peak before coming to a deadend.

View of the valley near the top of the pass.

Remnants of the Fouth of July mine as seen from the trail.

A level section of the trail with great views.

Inversion layer of clouds in the early morning make for stunning views.

GPX with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

From the Fourth of July Trailhead, the Arapaho Pass Trail climbs the northern slope of the North Fork, Middle Boulder Creek drainage into the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The Diamond Lake Trail intersects after 1.2 miles.

At 1.8 miles, Arapaho Pass Trail reaches the Fourth of July Mine and the Arapaho Glacier Trail intersects. The Arapaho Pass Trail continues west on an old road 1.2 miles farther to Arapaho Pass.

The Arapaho Pass Trail continues north (right) from Arapaho Pass and drops 750 feet down a series of switchbacks to Caribou Lake. From here, Arapaho Pass Trail continues nine miles to Monarch Lake.

Trailhead Directions

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Lake Haiyaha (10,244′), Front Range

by Mike Langenkamp | Oct 15, 2022 | Front Range, Moderate Hikes, Rocky Mountain National Park, Rocky Mountains, Snowshoeing, Trip Reports

Lake Haiyaha (10,244′), Front Range

Lake Haiyaha is a secluded, boulder-riddled lake in lower Chaos Canyon. Hallett Peak (12,713′) and Otis Peak (12,486′) tower over the lake, and are situated on the Continental Divide, making for spectacular scenery. The shores of the lake are home to some of the oldest trees in Rocky Mountain National Park. The final .25 mile approach to the shore is guarded by large boulders requiring minor scrambling to reach the lake.

Haiyaha is an indigenous word that means “rock” or “lake of many rocks”, or “big rocks”, depending on the translation.

Trail Stats

Lake Haiyaha

Trailhead: Bear Lake
Round trip: 4 miles / 6.4 km
Elevation: 9,475′-10,244′ / 2,888 m – 3,122 m
County: Larimer
Agency: National Park Service
Nat’l Park: Rocky Mountain

Trail Pictures Oct 2022

In the summer of 2022 a landslide occured in Chaos Canyon causing the water to turn from clear to a bright turquoise overnight. This makes the color of the lake unique in the area, and presently it is unknown when it will revert back to clear waters.

The lake with Hallett Peak in the background

The silt from a landslide caused the lake to turn turquoise

The color is unlike any of the other nearby lakes

The color change is supposed to be non toxic to existing life

The lake is very bright in the sunlight

Chaos Canyon behind the lake

Currently unique in color among lakes in the area

Trail Pictures Jan. 2017

Easy trail to Nymph Lake

Male elk also nearby

White tailed deer near the coyotes

Coyote near Nymph Lake

Coyote stayed behind to keep eye on me

Waiting for the pack

Pack of Coyotes near Nymph Lake

Turn off just before Dream Lake

Looking into Chaos Canyon

The lake is just ahead

First view of Chaos Canyon

View of Longs Peak and Thatchtop Mountain

Dream Lake in the morning

Hallett Peak

Nymph Lake from above

Nymph Lake with Longs Peak in the background

Large crack in the ice

View of Hallett Peak and Lake Haiyaha

Frozen Lake Haiyaha

Dream Lake on the way back

Panorama of Lake Haiyaha

Lake Haiyaha GPS Route with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

The trail begins alongside Bear Lake and climbs westward towards Tyndall Gorge, passing Nymph Lake along the way. Past Nymph Lake the trails climbs again to Dream Lake.

Once there, the trail moves up a southward slope into the Chaos Canyon drainage and arrives at the lake, located at timberline along Chaos Creek. The lake and Chaos Canyon are known for excellent bouldering.

Trailhead Directions

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Bierstadt Lake (9,470′), Front Range

by Mike Langenkamp | Apr 24, 2022 | Front Range, Moderate Hikes, Rocky Mountain National Park, Rocky Mountains, Snowshoeing, Trip Reports

Bierstadt Lake (9,470′), Front Range

Bierstadt Lake sits atop a forested moraine, which is a ridge composed of material left behind thousands of years ago by receding glaciers. The lake was formed when a dam was made from glacial debris deposits. Water from the lake drains into Mill Creek within the Mill Creek basin, a flat valley with a scenic meadow.

The lake’s east end provides the best look at the Continental Divide, with standouts such as Otis Peak (12,486′), Hallet Peak (12,713′), Flattop Mountain (12,324′), Ptarmigan Point (12,363′) and Notchtop Mountain (12,129′).

Trail Stats

Bierstadt Lake

Trailhead: Bierstadt Lake
Round trip: 3.2 miles / 5.1 km
Elevation: 8,904′- 9,470′ / 2,714 m – 2,886 m
County: Larimer
Agency: National Park Service
Nat’l Park: Rocky Mountain

Trail Pictures

Bear Lake Rd below winding it’s way to Glacier Gorge

View west from the switchback trail

View of Mt Meeker, Longs Peak, and Thatchtop Mountain

View of the Continental Divide from the trail

View to the east from the trail

Northeastern view of Bierstadt Lake

Notchtop Mountain in the center

View northwest from the lake

Spring melt has started

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Snowy Otis Peak, Hallet Peak, and Flattop Mountain

Bierstadt Lake surrounded by a heavy forest

The forest surrounding Bierstadt Lake

View of Longs Peak from Bierstadt Lake

Lunch with a view

Shoreline of Bierstadt Lake

Chipmunk investigating the intruder

Chipmunks are common in the park

View along the northern shoreline

On top of the moraine heading to Bierstadt Lake

Deep snow in the woods in late April

Grreat views west along the Bierstadt trail

Found along the trail

GPX with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

An uphill 1.4-mile (2.3 km) trail with switchbacks that begins at the Bierstadt Lake Trailhead. A 0.6-mile (0.97 km) trail encircles the subalpine lake, which has a sandy beach along the eastern portion, offering the most spectacular views.

Most of the elevation gain occurs in the first three-quarters of a mile. You enter a pine forest which turns to sage with unobstructed views as you gain elevation. At the top of the moraine the trail transitions back into a dense forest again. The trail gets relatively flat as you continue to the lake.

Trailhead Directions

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Lake Isabelle (10,910′), Front Range

by Mike Langenkamp | Nov 7, 2021 | Featured, Front Range, Moderate Hikes, Rocky Mountains, Snowshoeing, Trip Reports

Lake Isabelle (10,910′), Front Range

Lake Isabelle lies hidden in a high, isolated bowl-shaped basin at the top of the South St. Vrain drainage in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. It lies at tree-line in a stunning alpine valley surrounded by Navajo (13,409′), Apache (13,441′) and Shoshoni (12,967′) peaks. The Continental Divide is located just west of the lake, running along the high peaks above the valley.

Mitchell & Blue Lake and Mt Audubon, are also located in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area and also offer beautiful views of the Indian Peaks Wilderness.

Trail Stats

Lake Isabelle

Trailhead: Long Lake
Round trip: 4.4 miles/7.1 km summer, 11 miles/17.1 km winter
Elevation: 10,300′ – 10,910′ / 3,139 m – 3,325 m
County: Boulder – Brainard Lake Rec. Area
National Forest: Roosevelt
Wilderness: Indian Peaks

Trail Pictures

Park closed in winter to motorized vehicles

Brainard Lake Rec. Area

Road to the Long Lake trailhead

Out of control bike ride along the closed road

Long Lake Trailhead

View through the dense forest

Long Lake, Brainard Lake Rec Area

Trail in great winter condition

Long Lake, with sounds of moose nearby

One of the many creek crossings

Shoshoni Peak ahead

Meadow on the way to Lake Isabelle

As you near Lake Isabelle the trees thin out

The upper portion of the South St. Vrain Creek valley

Above Lake Isabelle

The incredible scenery of Lake Isabelle

Panorama of Lake Isabelle

Niwot Ridge, 13,409-foot Navajo Peak, Navajo Glacier, 13,441-foot Apache Peak and 12,967-foot Shoshoni Peak, looking from left to right

The Continental Divide lies along the jagged peaks

View along the northern shore

View from the waters edge

One last look at Lake Isabelle

Winter in full display in early November

Heading back to the Long Lake trailhead

GPS Route with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

From the Long Lake Trailhead, the trail begins its relatively gentle ascent up to Long Lake. After a quarter-mile of trekking, the trail intersects the Jean Lunning Trail, which will take you to and around Long Lake. This area is known for moose sightings. Avoid the Jean Lunning Trail and continue to the right uphill to Lake Isabelle.

After approximately 1 more mile, the trail intersects the Jean Lunning Trail for the second time. Again, continue towards Lake Isabelle and Pawnee Pass, bypassing the Jean Lunning Trail. Lake Isabelle is just another .9 miles beyond this trail junction. From the lake you have the option of continuing further up the trail to reach Isabelle Glacier.

Trailhead Directions

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Estes Cone (11,007′), Front Range

by Mike Langenkamp | Oct 24, 2021 | Front Range, Moderate Hikes, Rocky Mountain National Park, Rocky Mountains, Snowshoeing, Trip Reports

Estes Cone (11,007′), Front Range

Estes Cone is located about 3 miles from the Longs Peak trailhead on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The peak serves as a prominent landmark in the Tahosa Valley to the east. The peak is named for one of the first settlers in Estes Valley, Joel Estes. The granite peak has a rocky outcrop on the summit that provides unobstructed views of Rocky Mountain National Park.

On the way to Estes Cone you will pass by the old Eugene Mine area, of which there is almost no trace left. Moving on you end up at Storm Pass, after which the steepest part of the hike begins. Just before reaching the summit you will hit a cliff band. Head to the right and there will be a weakness in the wall that you can scramble up to the summit.

Trail Stats

Estes Cone

Trailhead: Longs Peak
Round trip: 6.5 miles / 10.5 km
Elevation: 9,400′ – 11,007′ / 2,865 m – 3,355 m
County: Larimer
Agency: National Park Service
Nat’l Park: Rocky Mountain

Trail Pictures – October 2021

Longs Peak trailhead

The first junction on the Longs Peak trail

Meadow near Moore Park

Near Storm Pass

Steepest part of the trail near the summit

Estes Cone summit

Looking north from the summit

The wind gusts were dangerous on the summit

Southwest view from the summit

Northwest view from the summit

View along the western cliff face

Summit view to the south

Summit view looking west with Longs Peak covered in clouds all day

View east from the summit with Lake Estes below

Northwest view from the summit

The route up to the summit – a steep scramble

View west on the final climb to the summit

View north from the summit

Looking northwest just below the summit

Mt Meeker (left) and Longs Peak (right)

Meadow near Moore Park

Ruins near the old Eugene Mine

Ranger station at the foot of the Longs Peak trail

Estes Cone from Hwy 7

Trail Pictures – May 2015 – stopped 1/4 mile from the summit due to a rare snowstorm with lightning and thunder.

Estes Cone from the Longs Peak trailhead

Serious lightening hazard so turned around about 100ft from the top

heavy thunderstorm with snow

Storm moving in

Following cairns

Close to the Estes Cone turnoff

Looking towards Longs Peak

Weather rolling in

The only break from the dense forest

A rare glimpse of sunshine

Snow deepened at the turnoff for Eugene Mine

Fairly clear near the trailhead

Longs Peak trailhead ranger station

Estes Cone in the distance

GPS Route with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

The approach to Estes Cone from the Longs Peak trailhead is relatively easy with mild uphills until you reach the base of the mountain. Once you turn off the Storm Pass trail you will see cairns marking the turnoff to begin the steeper 800′ scramble to the top. Once you reach the base of the summit, head right of the rock wall to scramble to the summit.

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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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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Fremont Peak (7,273′), Royal Gorge

by Mike Langenkamp | Feb 8, 2020 | Dog Friendly, Front Range, Moderate Hikes, Snowshoeing, Trip Reports

Fremont Peak (7,273′), Royal Gorge

Fremont Peak is the high point along a narrow ridge of hills rising near the eastern edge of the Royal Gorge’s north rim. The desert peak is part of a very small sub-range of mountains called the Gorge Hills. These peaks are relatively low and are covered in desert flora. Great views of the Royal Gorge, the Sangre de Cristo mountain range, and Pikes Peak can be seen along the trail and summit.

Don’t miss the Elkhorn Loop Picnic Area and Overlook to get a closer look of the bridge and the Royal Gorge, only a couple minutes drive from the EastRidge Trailhead. Great views just steps from your car, check out the last two pictures.

Summers in this area can be dangerously hot, plan accordingly.

Trail Stats

Fremont Peak

Trailhead: EastRidge Trailhead, Royal Gorge Mountain Park
Round trip: 3.9 miles / 6.3 km
Elevation: 6,919′ – 7,273′ / 2,109 m – 2,217 m
Area: Royal Gorge
County: Freemont
Park: Royal Gorge Mountain Park

Trail Pictures

Heading back on County Road 3A

Beginning of the hike on County Road 389B

EastRidge Trailhead

View of Fremont Peak from the trail

View of Pikes Peak to the north

View of Fremont Peak summit

Summit view west of the Sangre de Cristo mountains in the distance

View of the Royal Gorge from the summit with the bridge on the right

Summit view of the Arkansas River running at the bottom of the Royal Gorge

Summit view to the north

Summit view to the east

A large cairn at the summit

Last push to the summit

Looking back along the trail

The steep slope to the summit after leaving the trail

The glowing summit straight ahead

The trail after the radio towers

Cactus blooming in February

Lots of cactus along the trail

County Road 389B ends at the towers

The road follows the top of the ridge

Lots of traffic

A view into the Royal Gorge from the trail

The trail winding to the southeast

The Royal Gorge looking east

Royal Gorge Bridge

GPS Track with Elevation

Video Tour

Weather

Trail Directions

From the Eastridge trailhead head downhill and to the left (heading south) to get on County Road 389B.

Folllow County Road 389B until it ends at the radio towers

From the end of the road, you will see Fremont Peak across a saddle to the southeast. Follow the the trail heading in that direction.

You quickly come across a trail junction with a sign for the Summit trail. Follow the trail towards the peak (southeast).

Once underneath the peak, pick a social path up the steep slope to the summit. There is no maintained trail.

Trailhead Directions

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The Crags (10,856′), Front Range

by Mike Langenkamp | Jan 18, 2020 | Dog Friendly, Front Range, Moderate Hikes, Rocky Mountains, Snowshoeing, Trip Reports

The Crags (10,856′), Front Range

The Crags Trail #664 follows Four Mile Creek through deep forests and lush meadows, ending at a rocky dome with unobstructed views in all directions. At the summit of the windswept dome there are views of the Rampart Range, Pikes Peak Mastif, Catamount Reservoirs, and distant mountain ranges to the west and north.

The majority of the Crags trail has a gentle elevation gain, with the first and last half-mile gaining the most elevation.

Another hike along the the flanks of Pikes Peak with very unique geological features is Pancake Rocks.