Lake Haiyaha (10,244′), Front Range

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

Lake Haiyaha (10,244′), Front Range

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

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

Trail Stats

Lake Haiyaha

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

Trail Pictures Oct 2022

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

The lake with Hallett Peak in the background

The silt from a landslide caused the lake to turn turquoise

The color is unlike any of the other nearby lakes

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

The lake is very bright in the sunlight

Chaos Canyon behind the lake

Currently unique in color among lakes in the area

Trail Pictures Jan. 2017

Easy trail to Nymph Lake

Male elk also nearby

White tailed deer near the coyotes

Coyote near Nymph Lake

Coyote stayed behind to keep eye on me

Waiting for the pack

Pack of Coyotes near Nymph Lake

Turn off just before Dream Lake

Looking into Chaos Canyon

The lake is just ahead

First view of Chaos Canyon

View of Longs Peak and Thatchtop Mountain

Dream Lake in the morning

Hallett Peak

Nymph Lake from above

Nymph Lake with Longs Peak in the background

Large crack in the ice

View of Hallett Peak and Lake Haiyaha

Frozen Lake Haiyaha

Dream Lake on the way back

Panorama of Lake Haiyaha

Lake Haiyaha GPS Route with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

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

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

Trailhead Directions

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Bierstadt Lake (9,470′), Front Range

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

Bierstadt Lake (9,470′), Front Range

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

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

Trail Stats

Bierstadt Lake

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

Trail Pictures

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

View west from the switchback trail

View of Mt Meeker, Longs Peak, and Thatchtop Mountain

View of the Continental Divide from the trail

View to the east from the trail

Northeastern view of Bierstadt Lake

Notchtop Mountain in the center

View northwest from the lake

Spring melt has started

20220424_120759

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.

Trail Stats

Lake Isabelle

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

Trail Pictures

Park closed in winter to motorized vehicles

Brainard Lake Rec. Area

Road to the Long Lake trailhead

Out of control bike ride along the closed road

Long Lake Trailhead

View through the dense forest

Long Lake, Brainard Lake Rec Area

Trail in great winter condition

Long Lake, with sounds of moose nearby

One of the many creek crossings

Shoshoni Peak ahead

Meadow on the way to Lake Isabelle

As you near Lake Isabelle the trees thin out

The upper portion of the South St. Vrain Creek valley

Above Lake Isabelle

The incredible scenery of Lake Isabelle

Panorama of Lake Isabelle

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

The Continental Divide lies along the jagged peaks

View along the northern shore

View from the waters edge

One last look at Lake Isabelle

Winter in full display in early November

Heading back to the Long Lake trailhead

GPS Route with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

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

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

Trailhead Directions

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Estes Cone (11,007′), Front Range

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

Estes Cone (11,007′), Front Range

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

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

Trail Stats

Estes Cone

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

Trail Pictures – October 2021

Longs Peak trailhead

The first junction on the Longs Peak trail

Meadow near Moore Park

Near Storm Pass

Steepest part of the trail near the summit

Estes Cone summit

Looking north from the summit

The wind gusts were dangerous on the summit

Southwest view from the summit

Northwest view from the summit

View along the western cliff face

Summit view to the south

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

View east from the summit with Lake Estes below

Northwest view from the summit

The route up to the summit – a steep scramble

View west on the final climb to the summit

View north from the summit

Looking northwest just below the summit

Mt Meeker (left) and Longs Peak (right)

Meadow near Moore Park

Ruins near the old Eugene Mine

Ranger station at the foot of the Longs Peak trail

Estes Cone from Hwy 7

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

Estes Cone from the Longs Peak trailhead

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

heavy thunderstorm with snow

Storm moving in

Following cairns

Close to the Estes Cone turnoff

Looking towards Longs Peak

Weather rolling in

The only break from the dense forest

A rare glimpse of sunshine

Snow deepened at the turnoff for Eugene Mine

Fairly clear near the trailhead

Longs Peak trailhead ranger station

Estes Cone in the distance

GPS Route with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

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

Trailhead Directions

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Fremont Peak (7,273′), Royal Gorge

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

Fremont Peak (7,273′), Royal Gorge

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

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

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

Trail Stats

Fremont Peak

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

Trail Pictures

Heading back on County Road 3A

Beginning of the hike on County Road 389B

EastRidge Trailhead

View of Fremont Peak from the trail

View of Pikes Peak to the north

View of Fremont Peak summit

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

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

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

Summit view to the north

Summit view to the east

A large cairn at the summit

Last push to the summit

Looking back along the trail

The steep slope to the summit after leaving the trail

The glowing summit straight ahead

The trail after the radio towers

Cactus blooming in February

Lots of cactus along the trail

County Road 389B ends at the towers

The road follows the top of the ridge

Lots of traffic

A view into the Royal Gorge from the trail

The trail winding to the southeast

The Royal Gorge looking east

Royal Gorge Bridge

GPS Track with Elevation

Video Tour

Weather

Trail Directions

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

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

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

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

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

Trailhead Directions

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The Crags (10,856′), Front Range

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

The Crags (10,856′), Front Range

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

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

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

Trail Stats

The Crags

Trailhead: The Crags/Devils Playground
Round trip: 7.3 miles / 11.7 km (winter mileage)
Elevation: 9,665′ – 10,856′ / 2,946m – 3,309m
County: El Paso
Agency: U.S. Forest Service
Nat’l Forest: Pike

Trail Pictures

Road conditions before the closure

Stay to the right as you approach the trailhead

Heading back

Pikes Peak area to the southeast

Looking west

Reservoirs to the east

Rocky and jagged peaks

Pikes Peak ridge-line

Summit view

View back into the valley

Fantastic views

Bristle cone pine trees at least hundreds of years old

The Crags from the trail

The final section before the rocky summit

Following Fourmile Creek east

Footprints, maybe a fox?

Sunrise along the trail

The Crags trail forks to the left

The Crags trail starts in dense forest crossing Fourmile Creek

The Crags trailhead

Sunrise along County Road 62

Winter road closure 1.1 miles from the trailhead

GPS Route with Elevation

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.

Trailhead Directions

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Lake Helene (10,630′), Front Range

by Mike Langenkamp | Apr 20, 2019 | Front Range, Moderate Hikes, Rocky Mountain National Park, Rocky Mountains, Snowshoeing, Trip Reports

Lake Helene (10,630′), Front Range

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.

Trail Stats

Lake Helene

Trailhead: Bear Lake
Round trip: 7.2 miles / 11.6 km
Elevation: 9,475′ – 10,630′ / 2,888 m – 3,240 m
County: Larimer
Agency: National Park
Nat’l Park: Rocky Mountain

Trail Pictures

Lake Helene

Early morning view of Bierstadt Lake from the trail

Heading to the Flattop Trail junction above Bear Lake

Alternating forests and clearings along the Odessa Lake trail

Notchtop Mountain comes into view

Two Rivers Lake and Notchtop Mountain (12,129′)

Bear Lake in the early afternoon

Bear Lake and Hallett Peak

Incredible views of the Longs Peak area of the park

View of Longs Peak along the trail

Odessa Lake trail through dense conifer trees

Notchtop Mountain and Lake Helene

Notchtop Mountain towers over the valley

Odessa Lake 640′ below

The lake beginning to thaw

Two Rivers Lake looking east

Little Matterhorn

A curious Gray Jay

View of Flattop Mountain

Notchtop Mountain summit

GPS Route with Elevation

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.

Trailhead Directions

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Mills Lake (9,965′) & Jewel Lake (9,990′), Front Range

by Mike Langenkamp | Dec 9, 2018 | Front Range, Moderate Hikes, Rocky Mountain National Park, Rocky Mountains, Snowshoeing, Trip Reports

Mills Lake (9,965′) & Jewel Lake (9,990′), 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 to Alberta 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. Inspired and enouraged by John Muir, Enos Mills campaigned to see these mountains in Colorado protected as a national park, a fight he won in 1915.

The view from Mills Lake towards Longs Peak is the image used on one side of the 2006 Colorado State Quarter.

Trail Stats

Mills & Jewel Lake

Trailhead: Glacier Gorge
Round trip: Jewel Lake 6 miles / 9.6 km
Elevation: 9,240′-9,990′ / 2,816 m – 3,045 m
County: Larimer
Agency: National Park Service
Nat’l Park: Rocky Mountain

Trail Pictures

Longs Peak, Keyboard of the Winds, and Storm Peak

Longs Peak 14,259′, right, with the Keyboard of the Winds

Heading back north across Mills lake

View of Keyboard of the Winds and Storm Peak in the blowing snow

Mills Lake with a small cloud over Longs Peak (left)

Cove on Mills Lake eastern shore

Rising above Mills Lake from left to right – Longs Peak, Keyboard of the Winds, Storm Peak, Spearhead, and Chiefs Head Peak.

Mills Lake eastern shore

Mills Lake with Storm Peak (left) and Spearhead (right) rising above the blowing snow

Mills Lake frozen solid

Looking North across Mills Lake

Looking North from Jewel Lake’s southern shore

Jewel Lake just ahead

The southern shore of Mills Lake

View west from Mills Lake

Eastern side of Glacier Gorge

Glacier Gorge, Rocky Mountain National Park

Mills Lake eastern shore

Mills Lake, Glacier Gorge

First glimpse into Glacier Gorge

Bristle-cone pine trees

Just above Mills Lake looking into Glacier Gorge

Looking across Glacier Knob

Otis Peak 12,486′

Chaos Creek

Colorado Quarter

Glacier Gorge trailhead

Mills Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park

GPS Route with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

From Glacier Junction, head south for less than a mile, where you’ll come across Alberta Falls. At 1.6 miles you will arrive at the North Longs Peak Trail junction. To continue on towards your destination turn right here. It’s another 2 miles to Mills Lake from here. Once at the lake it’s another .4 miles to Jewel Lake, most of the distance is walking along the shore of Mills Lake.

Trailhead Directions

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St Vrain Mountain Trail (12,162′), Front Range

by Mike Langenkamp | May 14, 2016 | Difficult Hikes, Front Range, Rocky Mountains, Snowshoeing, Trip Reports

St Vrain Mountain Trail (12,162′), Front Range

The St Vrain Mountain trail is located just outside the border of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area to the south, and Rocky Mountain National Park to the north. The trail climbs steeply heading west, just east of the Continental Divide, with views across the Middle St Vrain Creek drainage and the Wild Basin Area of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Trail Stats

St Vrain Mountain Trail

Trailhead: St Vrain Mountain
Round trip: 9 miles / 14.5 km
Elevation: 8,940′- 12,162′ / 2,725 m – 3,707 m
County: Boulder
Agency: U.S. Forest Service
Nat’l Wilderness: Indian Peaks
Nat’l Forest: Lincoln

Trail Pictures

Near the trailhead

Back into the deep snow

View of Longs Peak

View southeast

View east

Snow more shallow higher up due to wind

Meadow Mountain with Rocky Mountain National Park in the background

Colorado’s oceans

The route ahead

Looking back down the trail

Ocean of clouds below

Broke free of the cloud cover below

Ptarmigan in summer colors

Following a small creek

Beaver activity

unnamed peak view

Panorama with Meadow Mountain center

GPS Route with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

The trail climbs up the valley’s north side to the Indian Peaks Wilderness Boundary. The trail then switchbacks hard left (west) one final time) before turning sharply south across the valley. Grades briefly moderate and then steepen back up the south valley wall, turning sharply south one last time before clearing treeline (2.65 miles : 10,765′).

Travel eases along a broad tundra saddle between the shoulders of Meadow Mountain (11,632′), an unnamed peak, and St Vrain Mountain. It reaches the Rocky Mountain National Park Boundary (3.15 miles : 11,180′) and levels for nearly half a mile on a south heading with some of the route’s best views. This section overlooks Rocky Mountain’s Wild Basin Area, Mount Copeland (13,176′), Ouzel Peak (12, 12,716′), Mahana Peak (12,632′), Longs Peak (14,259′) and Mt Meeker (13,911′).

Those not aiming for the summit will be content with views along this stretch. The trail exits Rocky Mountain National Park (3.6 miles : 11,335′) and threads a few pockets of krummholz to an unmarked turnoff for St Vrain Mountain. Leave the main trail (3.65 miles : 11,360′) and aim for a band of krummholz approximately 200 yards away. Once through look for cairns and, most importantly, Indian Peaks – Rocky Mountain National Park Boundary posts to your right (north).

St Vrain Mountain (4.45 miles : 12,162′) is rounded with 2 wind shelters and incredible views. Continuing takes you along its west ridge to the Elk Tooth formation and base of Ogallala Peak (13,138′) on the Divide.

Trailhead Directions

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Flattop Mountain (12,332′), Front Range

by Mike Langenkamp | Mar 5, 2016 | Difficult Hikes, Front Range, Rocky Mountain National Park, Rocky Mountains, Snowshoeing, Trip Reports

Flattop Mountain (12,332′), Front Range

Flattop Mountain is located just east of the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail was built in 1925, and rehabilitated in 1940 with Civilian Conservation Corps labor. Today it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The scenic trail has overlooks for Dream and Emerald Lake, and unmatched views of the Longs Peak area to the south. The trail is also used to to reach the summit of Hallett Peak.

Trail Stats

Flattop Mountain

Trailhead: Bear Lake
Round trip: 8.6 miles / 13.8 km
Elevation: 9,475′ – 12,332′ / 2,888 m – 3,759 m
County: Larimer
Agency: National Park Service
Nat’l Park: Rocky Mountain

Trail Pictures

Bear Lake ranger station

Heading back

View of Dream Lake

Shortcut down

A few hikers on Emerald Lake

View of Emerald Lake

View near the summit

Flattop Mountain

Jagged near the valley edge

View to the north

The Flattop Mountain trail

Emerald Lake below

Longs Peak view

Dream Lake

Longs Peak (left) and Thatchtop Mountain on the right

The twist in the trunk provides extra strength from the wind

Early morning

Bear Lake and Hallett Peak

Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain

Flattop Mountain summit – as advertised

GPS Route with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

From the trailhead immediately make a right turn onto the Bear Lake Loop Trail. After a short walk along the eastern shore of Bear Lake, make another right turn at the next junction. From here the trail ascends the slopes of the Bierstadt Moraine.

About .5 miles from the trailhead you’ll reach the Bierstadt Lake and Mill Creek Basin junction. Turn left and continue towards Flattop Mountain. The route turns west as it climbs higher and you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Longs Peak, the Keyboard of the Winds, Pagoda Peak and Chiefs Head Peak towards the south. At just over 1 mile from the trailhead you will arrive at the Flattop Mountain Trail junction, which forks off to the left and begins ascending the eastern slopes of the mountain.

Once on the Flattop Mountain trail, the climb becomes steeper for the rest of the route. About 1.5 miles from the trailhead (~10,500 feet) you will reach the Dream Lake Overlook. Once leaving the Dream Lake overlook it’s a short hike to tree-line. Looking towards the east are views of Bierstadt Lake, Sprague Lake and much of the Glacier Basin area.

After about 3 miles from the trailhead you’ll reach the Emerald Lake Overlook. This scenic overlook rises more than 1,200′ above Emerald Lake. Continue on for less than a mile and you will be just below the summit of Flattop Mountain where there is a horse hitch. The slope begins to become more gradual and eventually leveling out. The end of the Flattop Mountain Trail is at the junction with the North Inlet Trail and Tonahutu Creek Trail. Although there are no signs indicating that you’re at the top, this is the unofficial summit of Flattop Mountain.

Trailhead Directions

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Weather

La Plata Peak (14,336′), Sawatch Range

by Mike Langenkamp | Jan 18, 2016 | 14er's, Difficult Hikes, Rocky Mountains, Sawatch Range, Snowshoeing, Trip Reports

La Plata Peak (14,336′), Sawatch Range

La Plata Peak, in the middle of the Sawatch Range, is known for it’s distinctive Ellingwood Ridge, popular among climbers. The Northwest Ridge trail starts from Highway 82 and follows the northern ridge that divides the La Plata basin from La Plata Gulch. There are several other routes to the summit, such as the Southwest Ridge. “La Plata” is Spanish for “The Silver”, a reference to the many silver deposits in the area.

The Sawatch Mountain Range is home to fourteen other 14,000′ peaks, such as Huron Peak, Mt Antero, Missouri Mountain, and the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains, Mt Elbert.

Trail Stats

La Plata Peak

Trailhead: La Plata Peak (Northwest Ridge)
Round trip: 9.25 miles / 14.9 km
Elevation: 10,000′ – 14,336′ / 3,048 m – 4,370 m
County: Chaffee
Agency: U.S. Forest Service
Nat’l Forest: San Isabel

Trail Pictures

Back at the trailhead

The cold fogging up my lens

Almost back in the protection of the trees

Heading back as the conditions were to windy

Wind and visibility became a real issue

Pelted with ice pellets blown up from the ground

Wind begins to pick up

On the shoulder of Ellingwood Point

On the shoulder of La Plata Peak

Heading higher the wind became a major factor

View back down my tracks

A glimpse of the Sawatch Mountain Range

View into an adjacent valley

View La Plata Peak

Near treeline

Breaking through the forest

Ski trail

View of Sayres (13,748′)

Deep snow and slow going

Bridge crossing before sunrise

GPS Route with Elevation

Know when to turn around. Turned around near 12,000′ due to heavy winds and low visibility, despite what initially appeared to be a picture perfect day.

Video Tour

Trail Directions

From the trailhead hike east into the woods crossing South Fork Lake Creek. Turn right after the bridge and hike a small distance to cross La Plata Gulch on a smaller bridge. Head right and reach a small clearing almost 100 yards after the bridge crossing. In the clearing, there is a smaller trail that heads off to the east – stay right on the main trail. Eventually the trail has log and stone steps making a steep climb through the forest.

Climb briefly to a small, level area above 12,000′ where you will find a large square boulder near the trail. Turn left and climb to the northwest ridge. Next hike to the base of a large buttress and follow the trail as it turns right and climbs around to the west side of the ridge. If you lose the trail, turn left and climb directly up to the top of the ridge. As you near the top ,curve around to the west side, turn left and follow the trail to the summit.

Trailhead Directions

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Weather

Nymph (9,705′), Dream (9,905′), and Emerald Lake (10,110′), Front Range

by Mike Langenkamp | Jan 9, 2016 | Front Range, Moderate Hikes, Rocky Mountain National Park, Rocky Mountains, Snowshoeing, Trip Reports

Nymph (9,705′), Dream (9,905′), and Emerald Lake (10,110′), Front Range

Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lake are located inside Rocky Mountain National Park, west of Estes Park. From the popular Bear Lake Trailhead, the trail passes Nymph and Dream Lake on the way to Emerald Lake.

There are prominent views along the way of Longs Peak, Glacier Gorge, Flattop Mountain, and Hallett Peak. If you have limited time to explore, this should be on your list for it’s beauty and accessibility, even in winter (additional gear required).

Trail Stats

Emerald Lake

Trailhead: Bear Lake
Round trip: Nymph 1.1 miles, 1.8 km / Dream 2.2 miles, 3.5 km / Emerald 3.5 miles, 5.6 km
Elevation: Nymph 9,450′-9,705′ / Dream 9,450′-9,905′ / Emerald 9,450′-10,110′
County: Larimer
Agency: National Park Service
Nat’l Park: Rocky Mountain

Trail Pictures

Bear Lake

Emerald Lake looking east

Sunrise above Emerald Lake