The elevation gain will continue through this valley and over a saddle for another mile and a quarter. Columbine Lake, near Silverton, Colorado - Little known hike climbs steeply through forest and beautiful alpine meadows to a stunning glacial lake set amid a backdrop of rugged 13,000-ft.+ peaks. It can be accessed by foot and horse. Even more beautiful than picture. Herman Gulch Trail – 6.4 miles | 1,657 feet of elevation gain | Arapaho National Forest, 4th of July Trail – 7.2 miles | 1,942 feet of elevation gain | Indian Peaks Wilderness, Chicago Lakes Trail – 9.1 miles | 2,142 feet of elevation gain | Mount Evans Wilderness, Booth Falls Trail to Booth Lake – 10 miles | 3,051 feet of elevation gain | Eagles Nest Wilderness. You can extend the hike an additional .4 miles by continuing up the steep switchbacks to Columbine Pass, at elevation 12,680 feet. Like Ice Lake Basin, the lake is strikingly blue due to glaciers eroding, Only camp near Columbine Lake if you are an experienced backpacker with the right gear. The lake is beautiful and on par with Ice Lake's coloring. The intense inclines, sprawling alpine valleys, colorful Colorado wildflowers, and pristine Columbine Lake make this trail a must-hike. Columbine Lake Trail, Fraser: See 11 reviews, articles, and 23 photos of Columbine Lake Trail, ranked No.7 on Tripadvisor among 12 attractions in Fraser. Hiking Description - Columbine Lake, near Silverton, Colorado - Little known hike climbs steeply through forest and beautiful alpine meadows to a stunning glacial lake set amid a backdrop of rugged 13,000-ft.+ peaks. Check out my. At about 1.5 miles, the trail begins climbing up and out of the Ruby Creek drainage. The first 3 miles or so are a grind and very steep. Path traverses two high basins and goes over a pass. I decided to make a day of it and went up the pass and over to Oscar's peak, then dropped down to the Ophir Pass Road and up to Ophir Pass. Panoramic views from nearby Columbine Pass encompassing Bridal Veil basin and the Sneffels Range. When to Hike     B. Columbine Lake Trail. The lake water is a shimmering royal blue, which reflects the majestic mountains in the background as the wind blows faint ripples across its surface. Take your time as it definitely is a lot of elevation gain. Getting to the Columbine Lakes Trailhead is relatively easy. Absolutely beautiful. Columbine Lake Trail: A must-hike gem near Silverton, Colorado. The trailhead is off Forest Service Road 820, and there is limited parking at the trailhead. Columbine Lake is a moderate day hike if you take the traverse route. Like. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from May until October. Preserve the beauty of this trail by leaving no trace. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. At the head of the outlet stream is a stone dam. The secluded ATV trails of the Columbine area are perfect for the off-roader seeking an escape from the crowds. This Columbine Lake Trail (#11.1) begins at the Junco Lake Trailhead northwest of Denver. If you’re planning on backpacking near Columbine Lake, look over my ultralight backpacking gear list and backpacking meal planning posts to help get ready for your overnight adventure. Permits are required for overnight stays in the Indian Peak Wilderness from June 1 to September 15. To give you an idea of the challenge, I hiked Handies Peak two days AFTER this, and felt Handies was MUCH easier than this trail. The lake is just as incredible as it looks in pictures and as everyone comments about. Columbine Lake is a 2,174 m blue singletrack alpine trail located near Fraser Colorado. A front wheel drive car might as well. Was amazing! Nov 18, 2019. It was a challenge, at least for me, but the views are unbelievable! The lake is cobalt blue and it’s extremely soothing and you’ll not find many people on this trail so it’s definitely more enjoyable and feels rad to do it. Even saw a pair of hunters sitting on the trail calling Elk. So warm. 2. If you’re getting to the trailhead using a navigation app, download offline maps of the area first, as you’re not likely to have service once you get close. But it was worth it! Trail Description Trail Photos Print this Trail Trip Reports. 2. The San Juan Mountains are jagged, sheer, and more captivating than the Rocky Mountains for which Colorado is known. Are you planning your own hike or backpacking trip of the Columbine Lake Trail? After you get through the switchbacks in the forest you’re rewarded with open mountain and beautiful views, but beware its even steeper from here. Click here to view the complete essential day hiking gear checklist. Feel free to bring your fishing pole, cast out a line, or even take a bone-chilling dip in the ice-cold water. The road ouldn't be a problem with a 4x4, but there is VERY limited parking at the TH (maybe could fit 2 very small vehicles or one truck). … Only camp near Columbine Lake if you are an experienced backpacker with the right gear. The Columbine Lake Trail takes you through a beautiful area of the Indian Peaks Wilderness through varying terrain. If you choose to hike in the off-season, prepare for cold temperatures and the possibility of snow. Snow in upper sections and icy in the lower woods. Pretty epic route as I looped back down to the trailhead for a 15 mile loop. Seasonal Popularity. Panoramic views from nearby Columbine Pass encompassing Bridal Veil basin and the Sneffels Range. Celebrated, high-elevation trail to astounding lake with off-trail options to Peak 13,300' and Pass 13,058'. Getting to the Trailhead 3. Highly recommend this trail, one of my favorites so far! hard but fun. You can access this lake via snowshoe year round, but there are avalanches in this area, so extreme caution must be used. This trail is generally above the treeline, so the views are much better than the trail up from Route 550. The trailhead is located on a 4WD dirt road just off the Million Dollar Highway. Then the lake is the real show stopper! Mount Neva Loop via Arapaho Pass Trail. What’s the highest elevation you’ve ever camped out? Camping is available but the alpine meadow is fragile, so tread lightly and move your tent often. The remaining 1.4 miles is straight with some ups and downs and crossing a creek. Columbine Lakes Trail forked and the route to the lake headed right (southeast) while the route to Arapaho Pass headed to the left (northeast). DIFFICULT 25.7 mi. The views of the lake and its surrounding mountains were incredible, but the night was quite windy and chilly. Fraser Tourism; Fraser Hotels; Bed and Breakfast Fraser; Fraser Holiday Rentals; Fraser Holiday Packages; Flights to Fraser; Fraser Restaurants; Fraser Attractions After you enter the majestic meadow, you’ll catch views of a saddle in the distance. The higher up the saddle you hike, the more stunning the backcountry gets. With more than 117 Columbine trails covering 720 miles, you’re bound to find a perfect trail like the Discovery Trail (CO) or Switzerland Trail. Your email address will not be published. The Columbine Lake trail is located in the San Juan National Forest between Ouray, Colorado and Silverton. With more than 117 Columbine trails covering 720 miles, you’re bound to find a perfect trail like the Discovery Trail (CO) or Switzerland Trail. The road is pretty smooth. 5. The water is epic blue as well. The Columbine Lake Trail is about eight miles round trip and between 2,500 and 3,000 feet of elevation, depending on where you start the hike. This is BY FAR, the toughest part of the hike. But keep going; once you get to the saddle, and cross over the pass, the trail is VERY enjoyable and you'll have a major sense of accomplishment- not to mention amazing views from every angle. The lake is gorgeous! The Columbine Lake trail is located in the San Juan National Forest between Ouray, Colorado and Silverton. Panoramic views from nearby Columbine Pass encompassing Bridal Veil … This hike climbs in elevation at a rather steep 12% grade, which rates it as a ‘difficult’ hike. Hiked this one yesterday. I’ve attached a picture of where we parked (purple x). Hey, I’m Noel Krasomil. Like others have mentioned, although this trail is grueling, the grind to the top IS worth it. Weather at this elevation is unpredictable and volatile as well, and can take a turn for the worse at a moment’s notice. After those 3 miles its smooth sailing for just over a mile along relatively flat terrain and along the stream (Mill Creek) the louder the stream becomes the closer you are to the lake. There were lots of stops and took about 5 hours total. This trail is a bit of a glute-buster for the first 2.5 miles, so don’t expect many flat stretches in the early going. If you have the proper gear and experience, I recommend bringing along your backpacking gear and camping out near the lake, weather permitting. Fraser Tourism; Fraser Hotels; Bed and Breakfast Fraser; Fraser Holiday Rentals; Flights to Fraser; Fraser Restaurants; Fraser Attractions; Fraser Travel Forum To prepare for your hike, use my day hiking essentials checklist as you pack your bag. Colorado has a look but don’t touch policy in regards to wildflowers, and this should be taken seriously. Instead, use AllTrails Pro if you need an accurate offline map for your trip. Mother Nature had taken it easy on me this time, and I enjoyed some of San Juan National Forest’s most idyllic backcountry as a result. Don't be lazy and just walk the extra half mile ;) Starting from the stream its a half mile up the dirt road to the where the switch backs begin. Indian Paintbrush, Fireweed, Columbines, and countless other species will pepper the landscape as you work your way through the backcountry. Jaw dropping. The peak season for Colorado wildflowers is mid-July to mid-August. Shade for the first couple miles and then you are in the wide open. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. DIFFICULT 3.5 mi. Snow Covered: Nov 18, 2019 @ 5:06pm. This trail is definitely not for the faint of heart, but it is absolutely worth it. Fires are not permitted at Columbine Lake. There is a 3 to 4 hours hike up the Columbine Trail to get to the lake. As others have said, the hike up through the treelike is brutal (but absolutely beautiful) if you take your time. The views are breathtaking on this 1.2 mile route. Not wanting to pass up the challenge of getting to the top , Shelly convinced me that even though her feet were blistered, she wanted to head up towards the pass. Stay on designated trails and avoid trampling vegetation around the lake. Columbine Lake Trail es un sendero de ida y vuelta de 8.3 millas con tráfico moderado localizado cerca de Silverton, Colorado. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Life after the saddle gets a bit easier, as the last one and a half miles to Columbine Lake are relatively flat. View detailed trail descriptions, trail maps, reviews, photos, trail itineraries, directions and more on TrailLink. Snowshoeing is possible on this trail, but the avalanche risk in this area is very high. Parking might be a problem if you arrive late(after 8:30 am) But the dark clouds above never cracked as I traversed through some of Southwestern Colorado’s finest backcountry. If you park down on the main road you will add about 2 miles round trip. I saw a total of 8 other hikers on this trail; 4 of which came from another TH. 1. Well worth it! GPS Coordinates :: Download Coordinates. Total time up was 2hrs 25 mins at a leisure pace with a good amount of breaks to snap pics and catch a breathe and coming down was 1hr 35mins. Your knees will thank you! Like. I'm a minimalist traveler and ultralight backpacker. Campfires are prohibited at Columbine Lake. Columbine Lake is 45 minutes past Ouray, Colorado. Hey, I'm Noel. Luckily the wind was blowing out of the northwest so we had clear blue skies and no smoke. This paved trail serves as an important resource for local residents, as it connects to several other trails in the expansive regional trail system and provides a safe and convenient means of getting around by foot or bike. I followed Google Maps - and there is no signage so it can be concussing. Trail on Meadow Creek and Columbine Lake in Arapaho National Forest, Indian Peaks Wilderness. Columbine Lake Trail is a 8.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Silverton, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Take your time. Day Hiking Essentials 8. Stony Pass, ATV Trail 821, and Cinnamon Pass OHV Route. Columbine Lake fills a wide, shallow basin west of the Divide under Mount Neva (12,814'); level meadows and gentle hills ring the lake and give it a particularly open, spacious feel An unofficial but well-defined trail leads .5 miles and 425' above Columbine Lake to an unnamed pass with stunning views south down the Cabin Creek drainage Columbine Lake Trail is a 1.3 mile trail through Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. I almost always travel solo -- it's the best way to see the world. Took the pup with us too and he had a great time. The Columbine Lake Trail is located 10.7 miles from Nederland, Colorado (CO) in Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest. The part that is in the trees includes (like a previous review said) 16 switchbacks ranging in length and steepness. Keep in mind that Columbine Lake sits at 12,700 feet in elevation, and even in the dead of the summer, temperatures can dip below freezing at night. 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