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

Weather

GPS Route with Elevation

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

Lake Haiyaha

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 for Lake Haiyaha

Looking into Chaos Canyon

Lake Haiyaha 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

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 Lake Haiyaha, 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)

Weather

GPX with Elevation

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

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

Weather

GPX with Elevation

Trail Pictures

Aspen groves along the trail to Rollins Pass

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

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 Argentine 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

Weather

GPX with Elevation

Trail Pictures

Entrance from I-40

Aspen groves along the trail to Rollins Pass

View from the west side of Rollins 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

Rollins Pass view

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

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

Weather

GPX with Elevation

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 Mt Ida trail is one of the finest trails in Colorado

Azure and Inkwell Lake

Marmot sunbathing on Mt Ida

Mt Ida (12,880′) summit

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

Chipmunk looking over his kingdom

Mt Ida summit in the distance

Azure and Inkwell Lake from the summit of Mt Ida

Marmot’s playing along the ridge

Mt Ida summit view with Longs Peak in the background

East side of Mt Ida

Most of the Mt Ida trail is situated above treeline

Mt Ida trail with 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 Mt Ida trail

The trail begins/ends in a lush forest

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

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 toward Mt Ida 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 Fish Creek Falls Overlook, a 1/4 mile handicapped-friendly accessible trail, which is relatively flat. The second trail, Fish Creek Falls National Recreation Trail , is also 1/4 mile long but drops 100′ down to a foot bridge at the base of the falls.

Juat a 1/2 hour south of Steamboat Springs is the town of Yampa, 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

Weather

GPS Route with Elevation

Trail Pictures

Fish Creek Falls National Recreation Area

The Overlook trail is flat and paved the whole way

The Overlook trail is handicap accessible

Fish Creek Falls from the Overlook trail

283′ Lower Fish Creek Falls

Fish Creek Falls National Recreation Trail

A picnic area near the trailhead

The trail winds through aspen and evergreen forests

Fish Creek Falls National Recreation Trail nearing the falls

May morning at Fish Creek Falls

View from the foot bridge

Spring snow melt has the falls roaring

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.

Fish Creek 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

Weather

GPX with Elevation

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

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

Weather

GPS Route with Elevation

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

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.

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

Weather

GPS Route with Elevation

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

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

Weather

GPS Route with Elevation

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

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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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: