Pikes Peak is the highest summit of the southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in North America. The prominent 14,115-foot (4,302.31 m) fourteener is located in Pike National Forest, 12 miles (19 km) west of downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado. The summit is higher than any point in the United States east of its longitude. The uppermost portion of Pikes Peak, above 14,000 feet (4,267 m) elevation, was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1961.
Blodgett Peak is located in Blodgett Peak Open Space along the Rampart Range of the Rocky Mountains. The peak has a small summit that provides unobstructed views in all directions, rising from the eastern edge of the Rockies. The trailhead is situated close to the U.S. Air Force Academy, north of Colorado Springs.
View southeast with Cheyenne mountain in the distance
View southeast with Cheyenne mountain in the distance
Heading down to the ridge from Blodgett Peak
Heading down to the ridge from Blodgett Peak
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Blodgett Peak looking south
Pikes Peak in the distance
Pikes Peak in the distance
Summit view east
Summit view east
Summit view to the northwest
Summit view to the northwest
The U.S. Air Force Academy
The U.S. Air Force Academy
A reservoir in the center
A reservoir in the center
Looking back down the route
Looking back down the route
Nearing the ridge from the east
Nearing the ridge from the east
Route up from the east is not recommended – to steep with loose scree
Route up from the east is not recommended – to steep with loose scree
Followed gullies up to the ridge
Followed gullies up to the ridge
Waldo Canyon fire scar
Waldo Canyon fire scar
Another scree filled gully
Another scree filled gully
Very steep – a tough scramble
Very steep – a tough scramble
Very few trees on the steep slope
Very few trees on the steep slope
First objective above
First objective above
A pleasant hike on single track to this point
A pleasant hike on single track to this point
Looking back up the trail
Looking back up the trail
Just a dusting of snow in the shade
Just a dusting of snow in the shade
View from the trailhead (Blodgett Peak behind this hill)
View from the trailhead (Blodgett Peak behind this hill)
Video Tour
Trail Directions
The Blodgett Peak trailhead begins in the Blodgett Peak Open Space. Heading out from the parking lot the easiest path to navigate is the closed road, which leads to the water tower.
Take the social trail below the water tower to continue to the peak. The trail will wind into a canyon and begin gaining elevation more quickly. Loose scree and a steep route define this section of the trail.
The social trail leads through the Waldo Canyon wildfire scar, where there is less scree and better footing. Once on the ridge, head to the right (east) to reach the summit. There is a short boulder field scramble to the small summit.
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.
The trail becomes steep again with switchbacks through the forest
The trail becomes steep again with switchbacks through the forest
Well used trail through the forest
Well used trail through the forest
The Crags peaking through
The Crags peaking through
Once on the ridge, good views to the west
Once on the ridge, good views to the west
Pancake rocks around the side of the hill ahead
Pancake rocks around the side of the hill ahead
Climbed rocks nearby to get a northwestern view
Climbed rocks nearby to get a northwestern view
Great views from the rock outcropping
Great views from the rock outcropping
Pancake Rocks looking west
Pancake Rocks looking west
Beautiful views on a bluebird day
Beautiful views on a bluebird day
View to the southeast
View to the southeast
View to the southwest
View to the southwest
The main rock grouping
The main rock grouping
Pancake Rocks
Pancake Rocks
Seating for giants
Seating for giants
A shelter under a large pancake
A shelter under a large pancake
Rock formations near Pancake Rocks
Rock formations near Pancake Rocks
The Crags looking north through the trees
The Crags looking north through the trees
View from the trail to the northwest
View from the trail to the northwest
Old signage
Old signage
An excellent trail near the trailhead
An excellent trail near the trailhead
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.
Mosquito Pass was built to connect the towns of Alma to the east, with Leadville to the west. It is the highest crossable vehicle mountain pass in the U.S. outside of Alaska. While there are higher vehicle passes, they are all out and back. The trail crosses theContinental Divide, between the Arkansas and South Platte Rivers.
The top of the pass is the turnaround point for the 21-mile course of the Western Pack Burro Ass-ociation’s burro races, held the first weekend of August each year and part of the Leadville Boom Days heritage festival.
Each June, hundreds of people run to the top of the pass in the Leadville Trail Marathon and Heavy Half Marathon, part of the CenturyLink Leadville Race Series.
Weather
GPS Route with Elevation
Trail Pictures
Summit of Mosquito Pass 13,185′
Summit of Mosquito Pass 13,185′
West side of the pass road is covered in dangerous snow drifts
West side of the pass road is covered in dangerous snow drifts
Impossible to get to Leadville (middle right) from the pass
Impossible to get to Leadville (middle right) from the pass
First snow of the season made the west side of the pass to dangerous for vehicles
First snow of the season made the west side of the pass to dangerous for vehicles
Looking east towards Alma and the Front Range
Looking east towards Alma and the Front Range
View west with the Sawatch Range in the distance
View west with the Sawatch Range in the distance
Diamond Lake to the west
Diamond Lake to the west
The road traversed up the valley
The road traversed up the valley
Leadville in the valley below
Leadville in the valley below
This is not what you want on Mosquito Pass – treacherous road conditions
This is not what you want on Mosquito Pass – treacherous road conditions
Not ideal
Not ideal
Road becomes very rocky and narrow as you near the pass
Road becomes very rocky and narrow as you near the pass
A couple Hummer’s headed for the pass
A couple Hummer’s headed for the pass
The first snow had fallen three days ago
The first snow had fallen three days ago
London Mine ruins in the valley above Alma
London Mine ruins in the valley above Alma
The trail at treeline
The trail at treeline
The road ahead
The road ahead
Winding through the Mosquito Range
Winding through the Mosquito Range
View of Pennsylvania Mountain
View of Pennsylvania Mountain
Six miles from Mosquito Pass head tot he right
Six miles from Mosquito Pass head tot he right
Great road conditions on Hwy 12
Great road conditions on Hwy 12
Turnoff from Hwy 9 near Alma
Turnoff from Hwy 9 near Alma
Video Tour
Route Directions
From Fairplay, follow Colorado Highway 9 north for 4 1/5 miles to County Road 12 (Mosquito Pass Road) and turn left. The tour begins quickly after turning off Highway 9.
Stony Pass Rd crosses the Continental Divide and follows small streams that make up the headwaters of the Rio Grande River. The road was created in 1872 to connect the area’s mining operations in Silverton to the town of Del Norte. The Continental Divide Trail crosses the road at Hunchback Pass (12,493′) on it’s way from Mexico to Canada.
The road crosses the headwaters of the Rio Grande near Kite Lake.
Weather
GPS Route with Elevation
Trail Pictures
View back into valley (Silverton area)
View back into valley (Silverton area)
I “heart” the San Juans
I “heart” the San Juans
Looking west at the road as it follows Bear Creek
Looking west at the road as it follows Bear Creek
Near Beartown Trailhead (CDT)
Near Beartown Trailhead (CDT)
Crossing the Rio Grande River headwaters
Crossing the Rio Grande River headwaters
Near Stony Pass summit
Near Stony Pass summit
Stony Pass summit
Stony Pass summit
View east from Stony Pass
View east from Stony Pass
Nearing the summit from the west
Nearing the summit from the west
Stony Pass summit looking east
Stony Pass summit looking east
Looking west from the summit of Stony Pass
Looking west from the summit of Stony Pass
The road up the west side of Stony Pass
The road up the west side of Stony Pass
The road is rocky but solid.
The road is rocky but solid.
Video Tour
Trail Directions
County Road 3 to Stony Pass (heading east) is a well graded and a easy drive to the top in a stock vehicle (in good weather). Once on the east side of the pass, an off-road vehicle is recommended because the road gets progressively more difficult until Kite Lake.
Pole Creek, a water crossing on the east side of the pass, can be very deep in the spring, making it impossible to cross.
Mt Audubon is the highest peak in the Indian Peaks Wilderness that has an established trail nearly to the summit. It is located in theBrainard Lake Recreation Area, about an hour outside of Boulder.
The great 360 degree view from the summit looks out over the mountains of the Indian Peaks Wilderness to the west, Rocky Mountain National Park to the north, and the Front Range and plains to the east. Beautiful alpine lakes likeMitchell and Blue Lakeare scattered in the valleys.
Trail Stats
Mt Audubon
Trailhead: Beaver Creek Trail (at Mitchell Lake parking lot)
Willows on the left, Bristle cone pines on the right
Willows on the left, Bristle cone pines on the right
View of Mt Audubon looking west on the tundra
View of Mt Audubon looking west on the tundra
Last of the winter snow with reservoirs in the distance
Last of the winter snow with reservoirs in the distance
The trail marked by cairns
The trail marked by cairns
The summit just ahead
The summit just ahead
View of Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park
View of Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park
Views east from the summit with haze from wildfires
Views east from the summit with haze from wildfires
Upper Coney Lake below
Upper Coney Lake below
Paiute Peak 13,088′
Paiute Peak 13,088′
View into the Indian Peaks Wilderness from the summit
View into the Indian Peaks Wilderness from the summit
More summit views
More summit views
View to the southeast of the Front Range
View to the southeast of the Front Range
A false summit ahead
A false summit ahead
On the last 600′ of vertical distance to the summit
On the last 600′ of vertical distance to the summit
3 Ptarmigans along the trail
3 Ptarmigans along the trail
A busy trail
A busy trail
View of the Front Range to the east
View of the Front Range to the east
Just below treeline
Just below treeline
Early morning along the rugged trail
Early morning along the rugged trail
Sunrise along the Beaver Creek trail
Sunrise along the Beaver Creek trail
Just past the trailhead before sunrise
Just past the trailhead before sunrise
View to the northwest from the summit
View to the northwest from the summit
Video Tour
Trail Directions
The Beaver Creek Trail enters the Indian Peaks Wilderness and climbs through the trees for 1.7 miles. At the first junction head west (left) onto the Mount Audubon Trail as it heads west.
The Mount Audubon Trail continues climbing above timberline. The trail ends at the saddle where, there is a view down into the Coney Lake drainage. For the final half-mile, and 600 vertical feet, follow the rock cairns up the talus to the summit.
Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway (County Road 8), runs through the northern portion of the Flat Tops Wilderness. The Flat Tops is Colorado’s second largest Wilderness, spanning a total of 235,214 acres.
The Flat Tops are part of the White River Plateau, with an average elevation of 10,000 feet. Approximately 110 lakes and ponds, often unnamed, dot the country above and below the numerous flat-topped cliffs. The valleys and relatively gentle land above the cliffs offers over 160 miles of trails to explore.
Trappers Lakeis located at the halfway point, and is well worth a short detour.
Roughly a mile and a half long and half a mile wide, reaching depths of 180 feet, Trappers Lake is the second largest natural lake in Colorado after Grand Lake. You reach the lake by taking theFlat Tops Scenic Byway from Yampa or Meeker.
The area is as wild today as it was when it was first discovered. In 1891 White River, which includes the Flat Tops, became one of the first two National Forests in the U.S.
The trail around the lake is named for Arthur Carhart, whose survey near the lake in 1919 inspired him to recommend preserving the area without development for future generations to enjoy. Arthur Carhart’s efforts set the stage for the Wilderness Act of 1964 and theNational Wilderness Preservation Systemwhich includes Trappers Lake and the rest of the Flat Tops Wilderness.
The trailhead is adjacent to the beautiful Trappers Lake Overlook.
Weather
GPS Route with Elevation
Trail Pictures
View of Trappers Lake from the Arthur H Carhart Trail
View of Trappers Lake from the Arthur H Carhart Trail
View to the southeast from the trail
View to the southeast from the trail
Trailhead for the Arthur H Carhart trail
Trailhead for the Arthur H Carhart trail
Northwestern side of Trappers Lake
Northwestern side of Trappers Lake
Looking into the Amphitheater
Looking into the Amphitheater
South side of the lake
South side of the lake
The major inlet to the left
The major inlet to the left
Trappers Peak on the left
Trappers Peak on the left
The cabin at Trappers Lake
The cabin at Trappers Lake
The cabin sits on the east side of the lake
The cabin sits on the east side of the lake
Looking northwest towards the trailhead
Looking northwest towards the trailhead
Trappers Lake in early June
Trappers Lake in early June
Heading south to the cabin
Heading south to the cabin
Little Trappers Lake lies beyond the cabin
Little Trappers Lake lies beyond the cabin
Small lake inlets to the left
Small lake inlets to the left
1.5 miles long, .5 miles wide and reaching a depth of 180′.
1.5 miles long, .5 miles wide and reaching a depth of 180′.
Several types of trout live in the lake
Several types of trout live in the lake
A Brown Bear on the hillside near the lake
A Brown Bear on the hillside near the lake
Over 11,400′ high flat top
Over 11,400′ high flat top
Fishing for trout in the distance
Fishing for trout in the distance
The trail heading north
The trail heading north
The trail leading around the lake
The trail leading around the lake
One of the many small inlets
One of the many small inlets
Trappers Lake TH view
Trappers Lake TH view
Video Tour
Trail Directions
From the end of Trappers Lake road, take the Arthur H Carhart Trail in either direction around the lake. The trailhead is next to the Trappers Lake Overlook. The trail is easy to follow in summer conditions.
Hayden Pass road crosses the Sangre de Cristo Mountains between Villa Grove in the west, and Coaldale to the east. The road is most challenging and scenic when started from Villa Grove, on the southwest side. With grades up to 20%, great views of the San Luis valley below can be seen.
This is one of only two vehicle passes over the Sangre de Cristo range. The other vehicle pass being Medano Pass, on the southern tip of the range. This pass travels through theGreat Sand Dunes National Park.
Trail Stats
Hayden Pass
Trail: Forest Road 6 Coaldale to the east or Villa Grove on the west
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.
Bristle cone pine trees at least hundreds of years old
Bristle cone pine trees at least hundreds of years old
The Crags from the trail
The Crags from the trail
The final section before the rocky summit
The final section before the rocky summit
Following Fourmile Creek east
Following Fourmile Creek east
Footprints, maybe a fox?
Footprints, maybe a fox?
Sunrise along the trail
Sunrise along the trail
The Crags trail forks to the left
The Crags trail forks to the left
The Crags trail starts in dense forest crossing Fourmile Creek
The Crags trail starts in dense forest crossing Fourmile Creek
The Crags trailhead
The Crags trailhead
Sunrise along County Road 62
Sunrise along County Road 62
Winter road closure 1.1 miles from the trailhead
Winter road closure 1.1 miles from the trailhead
Video Tour
Trail Directions
Take the clear and well-used path over a bridge and through the forest.
After climbing for 1/2 mile you will see the trail junction with the Devil’s Playground #664A, stay to the left on 664 to The Crags.
Continue following Fourmile Creek northeast through a valley. The trail will be wooded at first, but will eventually open up into a meadow with views of rocky cliffs and the rough western flank of Pikes Peak.
During the last 1/2 mile the trail re-enters the forest and gains elevation as it turns north along a small ridge.
The trail ends on the top of a rocky outcropping with excellent views all around.
Tincup Pass gets its name from prospector Jim Taylor, who in 1860 brought his gold strike back to camp in his tin cup. The pass was used to move supplies between St. Elmo and the town of Tin Cup starting in 1881, when a wagon road was built.
The views and hiking opportunities along the road are abundant. There are 13,000′ peaks that can be easily accessed from 267 (Tin Cup Peak, PT 13,050, and Fitzpatrick Peak). In addition, the prominent Continental Divide Trail and Colorado Trail cross Tin Cup Pass Rd (267) about 4 miles from St. Elmo.
Mt Antero (14,269′) and Mt White (13,667′), Sawatch Range
Mt Antero is one of only a handful of 14,000′ peaks that has a road that travels to within a short distance of the summit. The road up the mountain is difficult, rough and rocky, requiring four-wheel drive, eventually topping out at 13,800′. From the end of the road at point 13,800 it’s a 1/2 mile and 470′ scramble to the summit.
In 1881, a Salida man by the name of Nelson Wanemaker discovered gems high on Mt Antero. His discovery was publicized a few years later, and the mountain became a famous collecting area for aquamarine, phenacite, fluorite, topaz, and smoky quartz crystals. It has the highest concentration of these minerals anywhere in the US. With findings far above timberline, this is the highest known gem field in the lower 48.
From the end of the very steep road at 13,800′, it’s a 1/2 mile and 470′ climb to the 14,269′ summit of Mt Antero
Trail Pictures
Mt Antero 14,269′ on the (left), and Mt Princeton 14,197′ (center)
Mt Antero 14,269′ on the (left), and Mt Princeton 14,197′ (center)
Near the trailhead with Alpine Lake on the right
Near the trailhead with Alpine Lake on the right
View across Chalk Creek at an unnamed 12,800′ peak
View across Chalk Creek at an unnamed 12,800′ peak
A grove of Aspen trees ahead
A grove of Aspen trees ahead
Cronin Peak
Cronin Peak
Heading back down
Heading back down
At 13,800″ looking at the summit of Mt Antero
At 13,800″ looking at the summit of Mt Antero
View of Cronin Peak from PT 13,800′
View of Cronin Peak from PT 13,800′
View of Mt White from Mt Antero
View of Mt White from Mt Antero
Near the summit of PT 13,800′
Near the summit of PT 13,800′
The route to PT 13,800′ on Mt Antero
The route to PT 13,800′ on Mt Antero
View of Mt Antero from Mt White – summit on right
View of Mt Antero from Mt White – summit on right
4X4 adventure pilot
4X4 adventure pilot
Near the summit of Mt White looking east. The smoke is from the Decker fire.
Near the summit of Mt White looking east. The smoke is from the Decker fire.
Mt Shavano (14,229′) in back and Tabeguache (14,155′) right of center
Mt Shavano (14,229′) in back and Tabeguache (14,155′) right of center
The summit of Mt White (13,667′) ahead
The summit of Mt White (13,667′) ahead
Steep switchbacks on the west side of Mt Antero
Steep switchbacks on the west side of Mt Antero
Near the abrupt rock color transition from white to brown
Near the abrupt rock color transition from white to brown
A striking mineral transition from white to brown ahead
A striking mineral transition from white to brown ahead
Road 277 winding up the side of Mt Antero
Road 277 winding up the side of Mt Antero
Strong winds today above treeline made it hard to stand up outside
Strong winds today above treeline made it hard to stand up outside
View of Cronin Peak (13,870′) from the west side of Mt Antero
View of Cronin Peak (13,870′) from the west side of Mt Antero
The road climbs quickly once above treeline
The road climbs quickly once above treeline
Baldwin Gulch Junction – take a left for Mt Antero
Baldwin Gulch Junction – take a left for Mt Antero
RD 277 nearing the trailhead
RD 277 nearing the trailhead
The beginning of Road 277 in fall colors
The beginning of Road 277 in fall colors
The beginning of RD 277 was hit by an avalanche. The road was cleared but is very rough.
The beginning of RD 277 was hit by an avalanche. The road was cleared but is very rough.
Video Tour
Route Directions
Turn onto #277 jeep road (Baldwin Gultch) and drive 3 miles to a road junction at 10,850′. Turn left on the #278 road and cross Baldwin Creek.
Continue another mile to tree line as it climb’s Mt Antero’s west slopes. Stay left on 278A at the next 2 junction’s, reaching 13,200′.
From 13,200′ to 13,800′, the road becomes extremely steep with hairpin switchbacks. You may want to consider parking here as most vehicles wont make it. Continue up the steep south side to reach the end of the road, Point 13,800′.
Hallett Peak, viewed from east Rocky Mountain National Park, is distinctive with it’s slanted square structure towering over the landscape. As you near the summit however, the square melts away and you are left looking at a more traditional mountain silhouette. Rising along the Continental Divide, Hallett Peak divides Chaos Canyon to the south and Tyndall Gorge to the north.
The route to the summit first traverses the summit of Flattop Mountain on a well maintained trail. The Arapaho Indians called the Flattop Mountain corridor “The Big Trail”. The trail was formally constructed in 1925, was rehabilitated by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1940, and is currently listed on theNational Register of Historic Places.
Views of Longs Peak and Thatchtop Mountain near treeline
Views of Longs Peak and Thatchtop Mountain near treeline
Emerald Lake below
Emerald Lake below
Views along the Flattop Mountain trail
Views along the Flattop Mountain trail
A marmot blending into the alpine tundra
A marmot blending into the alpine tundra
Hallett Peak (12,713′)
Hallett Peak (12,713′)
Looking east down the Flattop Mountain Trail
Looking east down the Flattop Mountain Trail
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Along the summit of Flattop Mountain
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Hallett Peak from Flattop Mountain
Hallett Peak and Tyndall Glacier
Hallett Peak and Tyndall Glacier
Tyndall Glacier and Tyndall Gorge
Tyndall Glacier and Tyndall Gorge
Grand Lake from the saddle of Hallett Peak
Grand Lake from the saddle of Hallett Peak
View along the Continental Divide
View along the Continental Divide
Hallett Peak summit (12,713′)
Hallett Peak summit (12,713′)
View of Otis and Taylor Peak from the Hallett Peak summit
View of Otis and Taylor Peak from the Hallett Peak summit
Flattop Mountain and Tyndall Glacier
Flattop Mountain and Tyndall Glacier
View of the Hallett Peak ridge from the summit
View of the Hallett Peak ridge from the summit
Flattop Mountain from the summit of Hallett Peak
Flattop Mountain from the summit of Hallett Peak
View of Flattop Mountain from the shoulder of Hallett Peak
View of Flattop Mountain from the shoulder of Hallett Peak
View of Longs Peak from the summit of Hallett Peak
View of Longs Peak from the summit of Hallett Peak
View from the summit of Flattop Mountain (12,324′)
View from the summit of Flattop Mountain (12,324′)
Hallett Peak looks very different up here
Hallett Peak looks very different up here
Nearing the summit of Flattop Mountain
Nearing the summit of Flattop Mountain
Hallett Peak on the left and Flattop Mountain on the right
Hallett Peak on the left and Flattop Mountain on the right
Emerald Lake from the Flattop Mountain trail
Emerald Lake from the Flattop Mountain trail
Hallett Peak summit on right with the tilted square block that is seen from the east side of the park
Hallett Peak summit on right with the tilted square block that is seen from the east side of the park
The Mummy Range to the north
The Mummy Range to the north
Near treeline along the Flattop Mountain trail
Near treeline along the Flattop Mountain trail
Dream Lake with Longs Peak (left of center) and Thatchtop Mountain.
Dream Lake with Longs Peak (left of center) and Thatchtop Mountain.
Dense forest along the Flattop Mtn. trail
Dense forest along the Flattop Mtn. trail
Aspenglow along the trail
Aspenglow along the trail
Sunrise through the dense forest
Sunrise through the dense forest
Video Tour
Trail Directions
From Bear Lake take the well maintained Flattop mountain trail to the summit of Flattop Mountain. No maintained trail reaches Hallett Peak, so cross the saddle above Tyndall Glacier and scramble up steep talus to the summit.
Hurricane Pass (12,730′) and California Pass (12,960′), San Juan Range
The National Water and Climate Center reported that the SWE (snow water equivalent) for the San Juan Mountains, including Hurricane Pass and California Pass, in May of 2019 was 728% above normal. It was such a heavy snow year that most of the back country at higher elevations was still buried in July. The heavy amounts of snow also caused a significant number of avalanches in the state. The only option out of Silverton to the Alpine Loop this July was to take SH 100 to Gladstone. Heavy avalanche debris still blocked the route to Animas Forks from Silverton using County Rd. 2.
Heading out of Silverton on SH 110, you pass Gladstone, which sits in a flat meadow where the five forks of Cement Creek meet. The town began in the late 1870’s from the surrounding mines including a sawmill just below the town site. As the mines grew, the sawmill was needed by other mines in the area, so a wagon road was graded up Cement Creek. In 1879 this wagon road went over Hurricane Pass and down Poughkeepsie Gulch as the route from Silverton to Ouray.
Today Poughkeepsie Gulch is generally for high clearance 4×4 vehicles that don’t mind a few road scars. The route today includes Hurricane and California Pass, and eventually leads down to Animas Forks.
There is no signage and you must follow a social trail to get to the lake, but despite it’s obscurity, Lake Helene is a spectacular destination inside Rocky Mountain National Park. The lake is situated at treeline, between Flattop Mountain (12,324′) and Notchtop Mountain (12,129′).
Even lesser known Two Rivers Lake is a short walk from Lake Helene, and also worth the visit while in the alpine valley.
Early morning view of Bierstadt Lake from the trail
Early morning view of Bierstadt Lake from the trail
Heading to the Flattop Trail junction above Bear Lake
Heading to the Flattop Trail junction above Bear Lake
Alternating forests and clearings along the Odessa Lake trail
Alternating forests and clearings along the Odessa Lake trail
Notchtop Mountain comes into view
Notchtop Mountain comes into view
Two Rivers Lake and Notchtop Mountain (12,129′)
Two Rivers Lake and Notchtop Mountain (12,129′)
Bear Lake in the early afternoon
Bear Lake in the early afternoon
Bear Lake and Hallett Peak
Bear Lake and Hallett Peak
Incredible views of the Longs Peak area of the park
Incredible views of the Longs Peak area of the park
View of Longs Peak along the trail
View of Longs Peak along the trail
Odessa Lake trail through dense conifer trees
Odessa Lake trail through dense conifer trees
Notchtop Mountain and Lake Helene
Notchtop Mountain and Lake Helene
Notchtop Mountain towers over the valley
Notchtop Mountain towers over the valley
Odessa Lake 640′ below
Odessa Lake 640′ below
Lake Helene beginning to thaw
Lake Helene beginning to thaw
Two Rivers Lake looking east
Two Rivers Lake looking east
Little Matterhorn
Little Matterhorn
A curious Gray Jay
A curious Gray Jay
View of Flattop Mountain
View of Flattop Mountain
Notchtop Mountain summit
Notchtop Mountain summit
Video Tour
Trail Directions
Follow the Bear Lake trail for less than 1/2 mile to the Odessa Lake Trail Junction and take the trail to the right. The trail climbs above Bear Lake to the Flattop Mountain trail junction. Continue towards Odessa Lake, climbing through forests and meadows. After approximately 3.5 miles from the trailhead you will see social trails on your left for Lake Helene. The lake is partially concealed from the trail and spurs are fairly easy to miss. If you make a sharp hairpin turn north (right) and begin descending, you’ve passed it.
Two Rivers Lake is near treeline just downstream of Lake Helene. A thick forest and boulder field stand between the main trail and lake, making it easier to walk east from Lake Helene through the forest and meadows.
Garden of the Gods is a geologically unique 480 acre park, having one of the most complete and complex exposures of earth’s history anywhere in the country. It is popular for hiking, technical rock climbing, biking, and horseback riding. There are more than 15 miles of trails, with a 1.1-mile trail running through the heart of the park, that is paved and wheelchair accessible.
The main trail in the park, Perkins Central Garden Trail, is a paved, wheelchair-accessible 1.1-mile trail. It travels through the heart of the park’s largest and most scenic red rocks! The trail begins at the North Parking lot.
Dedication Plaque reads “Garden of the Gods is given to The City of Colorado Springs in 1909 by the children of Charles Elliott Perkins in fulfillment of his wish that it be kept forever free to the public.”
Weather
Trail Pictures
Cathedral Valley sandstone formations
Cathedral Valley sandstone formations
View of Garden of the Gods with Pikes Peak in the distance
View of Garden of the Gods with Pikes Peak in the distance
Snow on Pikes Peak creating a bright reflection
Snow on Pikes Peak creating a bright reflection
Balanced Rock
Balanced Rock
Steamboat Rock on left and Balanced Rock in the middle
Steamboat Rock on left and Balanced Rock in the middle
Sandstone formations in Cathedral Valley
Sandstone formations in Cathedral Valley
North and South Gateway Rock
North and South Gateway Rock
Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site
Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site
Entrance to Garden of the Gods
Entrance to Garden of the Gods
View north on a snowy February day
View north on a snowy February day
The red rocks and fresh snow create intricate patterns
The red rocks and fresh snow create intricate patterns
Cathedral Valley with a cloud capped Cheyenne Mountain in the distance
Cathedral Valley with a cloud capped Cheyenne Mountain in the distance
Interesting tree/rock formation
Interesting tree/rock formation
Part of the Sleeping Giant formation on the left
Part of the Sleeping Giant formation on the left
The Perkins Central Garden Trail
The Perkins Central Garden Trail
Dedication plaque
Dedication plaque
Kindergarten Rock comprised of white sandstone
Kindergarten Rock comprised of white sandstone
380′ high sandstone formation
380′ high sandstone formation
North Gateway Rock with the Kissing Camels formation creating an arch near the top
North Gateway Rock with the Kissing Camels formation creating an arch near the top
Summertime view of Pikes Peak
Summertime view of Pikes Peak
Fresh snow in Cathedral Valley
Fresh snow in Cathedral Valley
The red sandstone formations in stark contrast to the snow
The red sandstone formations in stark contrast to the snow
Mills (9,965′) and Jewel (9,990′) Lake, Front Range
Located within Glacier Gorge in Rocky Mountain National Park, Mills and Jewel Lake provide dramatic views of the surrounding peaks. The Longs peak area is prominently visible from the valley. The summer route initially takes you toAlberta Falls, another popular destination in the park.
Mills Lake is named in honor of Enos Mills (1870-1914), who is considered the father of Rocky Mountain National Park.
The view from Mills Lake towardsLongs Peakis the image used on one side of the 2006 Colorado State Quarter.