Spud Lake Trail #661 to Potato Lake is beautiful and short, with minimal elevation gain, making this an extremely popular hike. Passing through aspen glades, it offers excellent views of Engineer Mountain, Grayrock Peak, and Spud Mountain, along with good views of the Needle Mountains to the east. The natural lake has excellent fishing and a pleasant place to relax. This is a great summer hike for all ages, and the aspen leaves during the fall can be spectacular. Spud Lake has excellent fishing for brook trout and cutthroat trout.
Road to the trailhead. High clearance vehicle advised
Road to the trailhead. High clearance vehicle advised
A lake filled with lily pads across from the trailhead
A lake filled with lily pads across from the trailhead
The Spud Trail TH
The Spud Trail TH
Near the beginning of the trail
Near the beginning of the trail
Aspen grew into a tree holder
Aspen grew into a tree holder
Beautiful Aspen groves along the trail
Beautiful Aspen groves along the trail
Beaver ponds along the trail
Beaver ponds along the trail
Elevation gain on the trail is minimal
Elevation gain on the trail is minimal
The trail winding through the San Juan Wilderness
The trail winding through the San Juan Wilderness
A beaver pond just before the lake
A beaver pond just before the lake
A well defined trail to the lake
A well defined trail to the lake
View of Engineer Mountain (12,968′) from the trail
View of Engineer Mountain (12,968′) from the trail
Lots of Aspens mixed in with the Conifer trees
Lots of Aspens mixed in with the Conifer trees
First view of the lake from the trail
First view of the lake from the trail
Nice beach areas around the lake
Nice beach areas around the lake
West end of Potato Lake
West end of Potato Lake
View of a water inlet to the lake
View of a water inlet to the lake
Wildflowers in July along the shore
Wildflowers in July along the shore
Beaver home on the west side
Beaver home on the west side
Needle Mountains in the background
Needle Mountains in the background
The lake is dog friendly
The lake is dog friendly
The trail takes you all the way around the lake
The trail takes you all the way around the lake
Beautiful Lake near Durango
Beautiful Lake near Durango
Potato Lake is a natural body of water
Potato Lake is a natural body of water
Video Tour
Trail Directions
Drive approximately 28.5 miles north on U.S. 550. Just past the bridge over Cascade Creek, turn right onto Lime Creek Road, #591. Follow road for about 3 miles. High clearance vehicles recommended for last part of road. Trailhead is on the north (left) side of road across the street from a beautiful pond full of lilies.
The trailhead is unmarked but the trail itself is well defined. There are no trail junctions, so just follow the trail to the lake, passing beside beaver ponds until you reach Potato Lake.
This trail is one of the more beautiful in the state with lots of bang for your buck. The trail starts out at 10,400 feet, hiking in an beautiful valley surrounded by huge mountain scenery, and is virtually flat. So if you don’t want to make the climb up to Lilly Lake you still have amazing views and really great creek fishing with lots of good camping options on the valley floor.
If you make the hike up, you can see Mt. Lindsey, Mt. Blanca, Mt. Ellingwood, and the Iron Nipple from Lilly Lake. From the Valley you can see all but Lindsey. Lilly Lake offers amazing views, an alpine environment just above treeline, and great fly fishing in the lake.
Ellingwood Point (14,042′) to the left of the lake
Ellingwood Point (14,042′) to the left of the lake
The view at treeline
The view at treeline
Shallow snow drifts along the trail
Shallow snow drifts along the trail
Turning west towards the lake
Turning west towards the lake
Lots of water crossings along the trail
Lots of water crossings along the trail
One of many waterfalls
One of many waterfalls
Spring snowmelt along the trail
Spring snowmelt along the trail
Beautiful scenery the entire way
Beautiful scenery the entire way
View south along the trail
View south along the trail
Avalanche area along the trail
Avalanche area along the trail
The trail follows Huerfano creek
The trail follows Huerfano creek
Lily Lake 12,385′
Lily Lake 12,385′
Video Tour
Trail Directions
From the trailhead, follow clear signs to the Lily Lake Trail (there are no other trails at this TH). Head south and walk through a large meadow. From here, you can see the Blanca Massif straight ahead, with the Iron Nipple (13er) across the basin to its left. Hike one mile on mostly flat, clear terrain before coming to a trail junction with a sign for Lily Lake. Stay right (left will take you up Mt. Lindsey).
Continue up through the forest on excellent trail. You’ll continue to gain little elevation – just 1,500 ft over almost 3 miles from this point on. For most of the hike, Huerfano River will be on your left. At about 3 miles from the trailhead, at 11,600 ft, cross it and come to a large clearing with some boulders ahead and to your right. Loop up and back to your right, dipping briefly back into the forest. Just before the lake you come to a headwall just below the lake. Continue up and reach the lake at around 12,385 ft.
The point where the Arikaree River flows out of Colorado and into Kansas is the lowest point in Colorado, at an elevation of 3,317 feet (1,011 m).
It holds the distinction of being the highest low point of any U.S. state, and higher than the highest points of 18 states and the District of Columbia.
The Arikaree River has been made one of the designated areas under the Colorado Natural Areas Program because it is “part of the largest and best remaining example of a naturally functioning Great Plains river system in Colorado.” It has several species of reptiles, fish, and amphibians that are native and uncommon. The area is a sanctuary for many bird species, including burrowing owls, ferruginous hawks, and greater prairie chickens. The habitat is near-pristine and there are high-quality riparian and native prairie plants.
All the elevation maps indicate the lowest point is approximately 3,317′. My GPS on the hike recorded elevations in the 3,200′ range. This may be because I was able to walk on the river bottom or possibly a calibration issue with my GPS device, I’m not sure.
Trail Pictures
View of the river basin from the road
View of the river basin from the road
The Arikaree River outlined by trees in the distance
The Arikaree River outlined by trees in the distance
Beautiful purple flowers near the river
Beautiful purple flowers near the river
Early Spring with trees just starting to bud
Early Spring with trees just starting to bud
View along the Arikaree River river bed.
View along the Arikaree River river bed.
A second embankment leads to the current stream bed.
A second embankment leads to the current stream bed.
Close to the Beecher Island Battlefield
Close to the Beecher Island Battlefield
Vegetation in the old river bed
Vegetation in the old river bed
When the river was larger, this area was part of the riverbed.
When the river was larger, this area was part of the riverbed.
Trees growing down the first embankment
Trees growing down the first embankment
3 Corners – Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska state line
3 Corners – Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska state line
Sign for the 3 corners turnoff
Sign for the 3 corners turnoff
View Northeast of the Arikaree River valley
View Northeast of the Arikaree River valley
Vulture overlooking the river basin
Vulture overlooking the river basin
Arikaree River bottom
Arikaree River bottom
Video Tour
Trail Directions
I was unable to find the recommended route to the Arikaree River basin near the Kansas border from resources online. I initially tried to access the basin from the south, but the area was fenced and looked like I had to cross private property.
I then approached the basin from the north and found an unfenced area along the border. This is the route I took. I cannot recommend any route as I am not sure of the status of the area I crossed to get to the river.
The river itself did not have water flowing when I visited in early May. I was able to walk along the river bottom with only a few pools of water scattered along the route.
The approach from the north also provides access to the Tri-Corners area, where the Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska borders meet. There is a road leading to the point and a plaque describing the area for visitors.
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.
Humboldt Peak is part of the Crestones in the rugged Sangre de Cristo mountain range. The Crestones are a cluster of 14,000′ peaks comprising Crestone Peak, Crestone Needle, Kit Carson Peak, Challenger Point, Humboldt Peak, and Columbia Point. Humboldt Peak is the least difficult hike (difficult Class 2). The rest of the Crestone Group is Class 3, 4, and 5 climbing.
As the trail winds up Humboldt Peak you pass the South Colony Lakes, the most popular back country camping site in the Sangre de Cristo Range.
Looking back at the ridge during the scramble to the top
Looking back at the ridge during the scramble to the top
Columbia and Challenger, two 14ers) to the left (near center)
Columbia and Challenger, two 14ers) to the left (near center)
Crestone Needle (left) and Crestone Peak (right), two more 14ers
Crestone Needle (left) and Crestone Peak (right), two more 14ers
Massive peaks
Massive peaks
The false summit ahead
The false summit ahead
View of Colony Baldy and the North Colony Lakes
View of Colony Baldy and the North Colony Lakes
Humboldt Peak ahead, but still not the summit
Humboldt Peak ahead, but still not the summit
Great views from the trail once above timberline
Great views from the trail once above timberline
Upper and Lower South Colony Lakes
Upper and Lower South Colony Lakes
Nearing the ridge
Nearing the ridge
Heading up to the ridge, lots of elevation gain
Heading up to the ridge, lots of elevation gain
Upper South Colony Lake
Upper South Colony Lake
View of Crestone Needle from the Lake
View of Crestone Needle from the Lake
The trail travels near the upper South Colony Lake
The trail travels near the upper South Colony Lake
3 days before the first snow of the season
3 days before the first snow of the season
Humboldt Peak 14,064′
Humboldt Peak 14,064′
Trail through the heavy forest
Trail through the heavy forest
Video Tour
Trail Directions
The trail climbs the peak from the South Colony Lakes basin, accessed from the east side of the range. This basin is a popular site that is also the base for most climbs of Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle. You start the hike on a very rugged four-wheel drive road that was closed in 2009 as it follows the South Colony drainage.
Once near the lakes there will be Forest Service signs providing information on the area. Going NW (Humboldt Peak cutoff trail) at the junction, takes you to the Upper South Colony Lake.
The trail climbs steeply to the ridge from the upper lake. Once on the ridge stay to the center for the safest scramble to the summit. The northern side is treacherous with a steep drop for most of the remaining route.
Once on the false summit, head to the northeast to the true summit along large talus.
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.
Shelf Road Gold Belt Tour National Scenic Byway is a dirt road passable with a 2WD vehicle in good weather. It follows the old stagecoach route between Cripple Creek and Cañon City built in 1892. It twists along Fourmile Creek, with long bands of limestone towering above and below the road.
The Gold Belt Tour was designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation as a National Scenic Byway in 2000. It is one of eleven America’s Byways designated in Colorado.Fremont Peakand the Royal Gorge Bridgeare located not far from the southern end of the road and are a favorite in the area.
Trail Stats
Shelf Road
Road: Fremont County Road 9 (also called Red Canyon Road)
A sport climber’s dream, with bolted routes on stable limestone
Weather
GPS Route with Elevation
Trail Pictures
Rock formations in Red Canyon Park
Rock formations in Red Canyon Park
Shelf Rd turnoff in Cripple Creek
Shelf Rd turnoff in Cripple Creek
Heading south down the canyon
Heading south down the canyon
Fourmile Creek carved the deep canyon Shelf Rd follows
Fourmile Creek carved the deep canyon Shelf Rd follows
View north of Fourmile Creek
View north of Fourmile Creek
Mountain and desert plants along the route
Mountain and desert plants along the route
Well maintained road all the way through
Well maintained road all the way through
Shelf Rd near Cripple Creek
Shelf Rd near Cripple Creek
Winding through the narrow canyon
Winding through the narrow canyon
The Window rock formation near the road
The Window rock formation near the road
Shelf Rd was a very scenic canyon drive
Shelf Rd was a very scenic canyon drive
The Window formation when heading south
The Window formation when heading south
Approximately 23 miles from Cripple Creek to Canon City
Approximately 23 miles from Cripple Creek to Canon City
Shelf Road Gold Belt Tour National Scenic Byway
Shelf Road Gold Belt Tour National Scenic Byway
Old mining retaining wall near Mound City
Old mining retaining wall near Mound City
Cripple Creek, Colorado
Cripple Creek, Colorado
Video Tour
Route Directions
When entering the road in Cripple Creek there is a sign that recommends a 4×4 or a high clearance vehicle. The road, however, is well graded but issues could occur if snow or heavy rains hit the area. Any passenger vehicle can easily drive this road in good weather.
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
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 theRoyal 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
The Royal Gorge Bridge is the highest bridge in the United States. It spans 880 feet across the Arkansas river at a height of 955 feet. Built in 1929, it was the highest bridge in the world until 2001.
Weather
GPS Track with Elevation
Trail Pictures
Heading back on County Road 3A
Heading back on County Road 3A
Beginning of the hike on County Road 389B
Beginning of the hike on County Road 389B
EastRidge Trailhead
EastRidge Trailhead
View of Fremont Peak from the trail
View of Fremont Peak from the trail
View of Pikes Peak to the north
View of Pikes Peak to the north
View of Fremont Peak summit
View of Fremont Peak summit
Summit view west of the Sangre de Cristo mountains in the distance
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
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 of the Arkansas River running at the bottom of the Royal Gorge
Summit view to the north
Summit view to the north
Summit view to the east
Summit view to the east
A large cairn at the summit
A large cairn at the summit
Last push to the summit
Last push to the summit
Looking back along the trail
Looking back along the trail
The steep slope to the summit after leaving the trail
The steep slope to the summit after leaving the trail
The glowing summit straight ahead
The glowing summit straight ahead
The trail after the radio towers
The trail after the radio towers
Cactus blooming in February
Cactus blooming in February
Lots of cactus along the trail
Lots of cactus along the trail
County Road 389B ends at the towers
County Road 389B ends at the towers
The road follows the top of the ridge
The road follows the top of the ridge
Lots of traffic
Lots of traffic
A view into the Royal Gorge from the trail
A view into the Royal Gorge from the trail
The trail winding to the southeast
The trail winding to the southeast
The Royal Gorge looking east
The Royal Gorge looking east
The Royal Gorge bridge crosses 955′ above the Arkansas River
The Royal Gorge bridge crosses 955′ above the Arkansas River
Video Tour
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.
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.
