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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Handies Peak (14,058′), San Juan Range

by Mike Langenkamp | Jun 25, 2024 | 14er's, Difficult Hikes, Rocky Mountains, San Juan Range, Trip Reports

Handies Peak (14,058′), San Juan Range

Handies Peak, which rises to 14,048 feet in elevation, is the highest point of land managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Among Colorado’s 14ers, Handies Peak is considered one of the more straightforward climbs, although getting to American Basin can be a challenge. It is highly recommended that a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle is used to get to the trailhead, as it is located along the Alpine Loop. The standard route, known as the Southwest Slopes, is a Class 1 hike. This means it’s a non-technical ascent on a well-defined trail with minimal exposure.

Trail Stats

Handies Peak

Trailhead: American Basin
Round trip: 6 miles (9.7 km)
Elevation: 11,600′- 14,058′ (3,535 m – 4,285 m)
County: Hinsdale
Wilderness Study Area: Handies Peak

Trail Pictures

Alpine Glow on American Basin

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Just below Sloan Lake

Sloan Lake thawing out in late June

Unnamed Lake in Grizzly Gulch

Mountain views forever in the San Juan Range

Summit view of American Basin

Amazing views in every direction from the summit

Views to the north from the summit

Looking back from the summit

The route up to the ridge, passing Sloan Lake

Grizzly Gulch from the summit

Unnamed peak at over 13,800′

View of Sloan Lake from the trail

View to the southwest

The San Juan mountains are spectacular.

Nearing the trailhead

A number of small water crossings along the trail

View of American Basin

GPX with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

From the trailhead, follow the well maintained trail ascending south and then southeast into the basin. The trail turns left and continues southeast to reach the base of a slope in the middle of the basin. Switchback a couple of hundred feet up the slope to see the east end of the basin. Handies is up to your left (northeast).

Turn right (south) and follow the trail up to Sloan Lake. Turn left at the Sloan Lake Junction and continue east onto a rocky area where much of the remaining route can now be seen. Trek northeast across a talus slope and switchback up the southwest slope to reach the 13,500-foot saddle between Handies Peak and Point 13,588′. Turn left and follow the trail up the ridge to the summit.

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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Mt Flora (13,146′), Front Range

by Mike Langenkamp | Oct 7, 2023 | Difficult Hikes, Dog Friendly, Front Range, Rocky Mountains, Trip Reports

Mt Flora (13,146′), Front Range

Located within the James Peak Wilderness area, this hike offers a well established trail to the summit. The trailhead at Berthoud Pass also provides convenient access to the trailhead all year because the pass is plowed in winter. As you ascend, you’ll traverse a section of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), which stretches from Mexico to Canada and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The final push to the summit greets you with a 360-degree vista encompassing the Indian Peaks, Winter Park, and the Fraser Valley.

Trail Stats

Mt Flora

Trailhead: Mt Flora @ Berthoud Pass
Round trip: 6.7 miles / 10.8 km
Elevation: 11,307′ – 13,146′ / 3,446m – 4,0007m
County: Grand
National Forest: Arapahoe

Trail Pictures

First light

Morning alpine glow

Early morning on the trail

Stanley Mountain in the distance

Blue Lake below

Fall colors view from Mt Flora

View of Brekinridge Peak from the summit of Mt Flora

Another view from the summit of Ethel Lake and Byron Lake in the distance

View from the summit of Ethel Lake and Byron Lake in the distance

View from the Continental Divide

View of My Eva (left) and Witter Peak

Summit view with Colorado Mines Peak on the left below

More views near the summit

View back of the Mt Flora trail

Blue Lake and Colorado Mines Peak from the trail

The CDT near Berthoud Pass

GPX with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

Beginning at the Berthoud Pass Parking Lot, the trail begins just beyond the gate to the forest road at the south end of the parking lot. The road is the trail for the first 3/4-mile, where a junction appears on the left at a sharp curve.

Taking this foot-path for another 3/4-mile brings the trail to the ridge overlooking Blue Lake, and looking back right (south), nearly eye-level with Colorado Mines Peak.

Continuing along for approximately 1.5 miles, the trail tops Mt. Flora peak, a small but broad mesa-like rock crop. From here, Ethel Lake and Mill Creek stand out below in the valley. The Continental Divide Trail veers to the right from the summit to descend to Breckenridge Peak.

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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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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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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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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Mt Ida (12,880′), Front Range

by Mike Langenkamp | Jul 17, 2022 | Difficult Hikes, Featured, Front Range, Rocky Mountain National Park, Rocky Mountains, Trip Reports

Mt Ida (12,880′), Front Range

The Mt Ida trail, at Milner Pass, is one of Rocky Mountain Park’s most scenic alpine treks. The trail has spectacular views that include tundra flats, panoramic views across the Never Summer Mountain Range, and 360 degree views of Rocky Mountain National Park from the summit.

Officially there is no trail to the summit, but well-established hiking paths make the trek straightforward. Be aware that many cairns and social trails begin to spindle off the main route near the summit, which can be confusing. However, since you’re above treeline, it shouldn’t be hard to piece together the final part of the route.

Trail Stats

Mt Ida

Trailhead: Milner Pass
Round trip: 10.2 miles / 16.4 km
Elevation: 10,780′- 12,880′ / 3,286 m – 3,926 m
County: Larimer / Grand
Agency: National Park Service
Nat’l Park: Rocky Mountain

Trail Pictures

The Mt Ida trail follows the Continental Divide the entire way

The trail begins at Poudre Lake

View of Specimen mountain

View of the trail with Mt Ida on the right

Wildflowers in full bloom on the Mt Ida trail

The trail is one of the finest trails in Colorado

Azure and Inkwell Lake

Marmot sunbathing

12,880′ summit

Julian Lake near with Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake in the distance

Chipmunk looking over his kingdom

The summit in the distance

Azure and Inkwell Lake from the summit

Marmot’s playing along the ridge

Summit view with Longs Peak in the background

View of the east side of the mountain

Most of the trail is situated above treeline

The Never Summer Mountains in the distance

The trail follows the Continental Divide (Mt Ida on right)

The trail stretch’s off into the distance along the tundra

The Never Summer Mountains to the northwest

View to the east with unnamed lakes below

Rock formation on the trail below treeline

The trail begins/ends in a lush forest

Mt Ida viewed from Trail Ridge Rd. Snowiest peak to the left

GPX with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

Start from Poudre Lake Trailhead at Milner Pass (Continental Divide) and head northeast toward Poudre Lake. Hike past the southern shore of Poudre Lake and follow steep switchbacks through the forest. Keep to the right and follow the sign at the first junction. Ascend up a deep forest, heading to the western side of the ridge as you make your way to tree line.

Once above tree line, the views of The Never Summer mountains to the northwest are incredible. Continue over intermittently steep slopes and flat trail. Eventually boulder fields will begin to appear, so it may be tricky to find a steady trail to the top. Stay to the right on the way up to avoid the more difficult sections and the cliffs. The summit provides beautiful 360 degree views of Rocky Mountain National Park.

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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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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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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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.