If you're searching for Columbine Lake Silverton Colorado theme, you have visit the ideal web. See the Make It Happen section at the bottom of the story, which refers to the Tom Harrison map covering this area. We heard from groups earlier in the day that we should continue climbing up towards Sawtooth Pass for some decent sites. Since this trail reaches nearly 10,000 feet, the snow takes some time to melt. Once on 820, you’ll pretty quickly reach a creek crossing. Wounded Man Lake and Jordan Mountain, morning day 5. The beginning and end of the descent are easy to identify, but the trail vanishes a bit in the middle. Also, East of Devil's Thumb Park, the High Lonesome Trail is completely impassable from the Wilderness … Thanks so much! It was slow going though as every step had out feet sinking into the deep sandy scree. Hiking. Hike to Columbine Lake . Ended up camping at Hamilton instead of Precipice b/c I added in a side trip to Tamarack Lake so was too tired to make the late afternoon ascent to Precipice. This system worked really well with the built-in rails. We ended up finding a site about 100 vertical feet above the lake with great views of the lake and Black Rock Pass, Mount Eisen & Black Kaweah behind us. An alpine lake in the Eagles nest wilderness in Vail Colorado (Image credit: Patrick Lienan) Gore Lake . Found inside – Page 196... arnica, penstemon, stonecrop, and both red and white columbine. ... This beautiful, forest-rimmed lake has rugged buttes rising in three different ... New hikes in this edition include: 2 in the Bay Area, including the Coastal Trail in San Francisco 5 in the Redwoods and along the coast north of the Bay Area 4 in the Sierra Nevada, including two summits: Ellis Peak and Sierra Buttes 2 in ... After dinner I finished getting ready for bed, and laid down again. There are 3 campsites where you are more than 25′ from the water and one that is questionable. It’s a great trip. The drive here is about 45 minutes from both Granby and Winter Park, and is definitely worth it. The Columbine Lake and Caribou Pass trails pass through the Arapaho National Forest and Indian Peaks Wilderness. There is a 3 to 4 hours hike up the Columbine Trail to get to the lake. A hike worth the effort to reach the beautiful Columbine Lake. We were just waking up when she and her Dad arrived having hiked up from Hamilton Lake starting at 4am. We had a hard time not stopping every 10 steps to soak in the views. Temperatures in the summer are warmer and the snow will generally be melted, although this depends on the amount of snow each year so check with the Mineral King Ranger Station for updates. [Note: Hamilton Lakes made my list of nicest backcountry campsites I’ve walked past. ], A bit after 5 p.m., I walk up to the rocky shore of small, oval-shaped Precipice Lake, still 30 minutes below Kaweah Gap. At least the views of the Kaweah Range were incredible during the ascent. You’ll backtrack to the main trail from the upper lakes and switchback down to the lower Big Five Lake. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube. That’s a full-value hike in four days at those elevations. The location of Columbine Lake is very convenient for both directions of the hike: halfway up the climb to Sawtooth Pass, or the first viable camping after tackling the monstrous Sawtooth Pass. While it is certainly doable for most backpackers (and even first-timers), there is a lot of climbing involved and some key campsites you need to plan around to make your trip successful. This hike highlights everything wonderful about Southwest Colorado. Yes, afternoons were hot, nights got down into the 40s or 30s, and mornings are comfortably cool and ideal for hiking, all of which is typical of the High Sierra in July and August. A steady wind rakes the campsite, but it’s beautiful up here. I saw you mentioned yours was 85 liters. This park Eva, Parry Peak, Mt. Columbine Lake is a majestic, blue alpine lake located high in the mountains of the San Juan National Forest, Colorado. While I’ve thru-hiked the John Muir Trail through this part of the Sierra and explored other corners of it—including a rugged, partly off-trail, 32-mile hike in the John Muir Wilderness—this would be my first deep foray into the backcountry of Sequoia, our second national park (designated 18 years after Yellowstone and a week before Yosemite, although the latter had been protected in 1864 as a public trust of California). This climb was a doozy. I’ve been asked by other readers to help them find a Sierra trip they could take in late June. The Mineral King Valley in Sequoia National Park is at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Thanks! Columbine Lake Trail #509 is a 8.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Silverton, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Did you have any animal deterrents along besides just being safe and carrying the bear boxes? Exhausted but happily safe at our marmot-proof rental car we made our way back down Mineral King Road as night fell. Share on Facebook Tweet Follow us Share Share Share Share Share Related Posts:Brokeoff […] If it had legs, teeth, and an appetite for meat, I wouldn’t stand a chance. Coming from sea level, only getting 5 hours of sleep, and not being in hiking shape due to the pandemic & trail closures reminded me of my limits. The first four days, one to acclimate and day hike, and three on the trail, experienced beautiful weather. This trip was one that I wanted to do ever since I saw a picture from Sawtooth Pass looking east towards Columbine Lake in a … Incredible spot.” [Note: Precipice Lake made my list of 25 all-time favorite backcountry campsites.]. Hikers will immediately start the trail with a series of switchbacks that open up and end at the tree line. Sadly, really thick foggy clouds rolled in and we were snubbed for sunset. Around 6:00 am the sun hit the mountains, and it was very pretty. By the time we finished this downhill, we were getting pretty tired. I chomped through the rest of my food, the remaining Frito crumbs in my bag, as the slowest 4 miles of my life passed. We did carry bear canisters but I only carry pepper spray in grizzly country (and there are only black bears in the High Sierra). Proceed at your own risk though, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the park closed the lake to camping, due to the egregious LNT errors we witnessed. Or take the short side hike from Little Five Lakes to Black Rock Pass (as I did early one morning), or hike in to the Big Five Lakes. This day was easier than the last because it was mostly flat or downhill. I still woke up early, hoping for a decent sunrise. I think Precipice and Columbine are the two nicest campsites on this trip; that’s why they both made my list of 25 favorite backcountry campsites. 14765 feet. The backpacker, just passing through, saw the bear on the trail we’ll hike tomorrow morning. Biking. Password And the air seemed to be getting hotter with every switchback we descended. But even with the lightest tents and other gear, fitting some 50 pounds of food inside two adult backpacks required some aggressive shoehorning. We Have got 13 images about Columbine Lake Silverton Colorado images, photos, pictures, backgrounds, and more. No ordinary guidebook, Sierra High Route leads you from point to point through a spectacular 195-mile timberline route in California's High Sierra. Highly recommended getting to Granite Creek as early as you can. We took an hour lunch break at the top of the pass, soaking in the views and greeting others who crested the top. 7 mi / 1200 ft gain The hike is about seven miles, give or take, however it feels longer. As I mentioned in the Concerns section at the bottom of the story, the descent from Sawtooth Pass to Monarch Lakes is a long, steep slope of loose scree with no real trail. Mostly a light sand and some granite steps, not a lot of annoying rocks and roots in the way. This looks great, and I’m really looking forward to doing something similar in early September. Definitely need a couple of these to make me feel better about hiking in ‘Big Kitty’ territory of central Cali with children. The “trail” continues up and up to Sawtooth Pass. We didn’t feel in top shape at the time, but when I found your post I was confident we could do it if a Dad carrying a 60lb. Perhaps exiting at one of the points in the route? Sawtooth Wilderness Loop Terrain There were many camping opportunities along the way, but the scenery gets really spectacular once the trail breaks away from the forest. Thanks! It was hard but very rewarding trip and we would not hesitate doing it again. Just donated! I am now spending time outdoors canoeing, camping and hiking with my oldest grand kids and plan in 3 years to return to the High Sierra with at least 2, possibly 3, of my grand kids and hike the trail again. The best time to hike the Mineral King loop is June – September. Again, I was starting to question my ambition and trip plan after a slow start to my hiking season. 5) Columbine Lake Trail. Good luck with your trip. It was so rewarding to finally get up there. The first 1000 feet is a steep and hard climb. Columbine/Ruby Lakes. He was mostly stationed at Crabtree, but has a special fondness for Mineral King and the area you covered on your trip. I almost instantly crashed as soon as my head hit my inflatable pillow. Details. It’s a great toilet though! There are small zones you can stay in as well, which includes Jasper Lake, Diamond Lake, and Caribou Lake. After lunch at the lake, we will climb to the Lewis Mountain overlook. In fact, standing at the Sawtooth Pass Trailhead at 7,820 feet in Sequoia National Park, looking up at our imminent ascent to 9,511-foot Timber Gap, I’m thinking the chances that I’ll have an easy time of it are very, very slim. Day Three: Middle Big Five Lake to Columbine Lake. Though not particularly large, most of the shore is accessible and anglers will find ample room apart from lunching day hikers. The ranger gave us a forecast that the weather might deteriorate the last three days of the trip and that we would need to make a decision about holding up in Lost Canyon or pushing over Sawtooth to Monarch Lake to avoid exposure at Columbine Lake. Just before the Twining Trail junction, where the trail gets steep, there is an aspen grove with a great spot for a picnic. Like. I’ve also been eager to backpack with my family in Sequoia, in the southern High Sierra, home to many of the highest mountains and one of the biggest chunks of contiguous wilderness in the Lower 48—a pristine and incredibly photogenic land of razor peaks and alpine lakes so clear you could stand on the shore and read a book laying open on the lake bottom. Thanks again for your adventurous blog – keep up the good work! About the Event: In this JoinMe experience, Katie will be guiding you on this out and back hike up to the stunning Columbine Alpine Lake. Where: Sequoia National Park, Mineral King. It shaped up and confirmed that the trip I had been imagining was the right one. Suggest extending the time rather than shortening it so that trip will be more enjoyable rather than a death march. Columbine Lake Trail: Superb Hiking Near Silverton, Colorado. Day… My Dad is a naturalist and was a backcountry ranger back in the day and definitely inspired a love of exploring the outdoors in me. After a 4:00 AM wake-up call, a 5.5 hour drive and a late start at the trailhead, we were off up to Timber Gap. Maps. You can either do it at the beginning or end of your trip. Camping and Backpacking Information. Along the way, members will experience stunning views of the mountains trek through amazing wildflower meadows and hike through the alpine forest. We opted for the middle Big Five Lake, about .75 miles off of the main trail. It was Isabella’s first backpacking trip and she carried her fair share of the gear. Horseback Riding. On a six-day, family backpacking trip in Sequoia National Park, we camped at two alpine lakes that deserve placement on this list: Precipice Lake and Columbine Lake (below). In fact, there are very few flat sections or downhill sections as you hike to Chasm Lake. Once in the water, your padd... Lake Lansing North Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Haslett, Michigan. Island Park. Whitney and Mt. See my Custom Trip Planning page. It’s difficult going down, and poles help a lot, but if you’re fairly comfortable on scree (sliding a bit on your heels, leaning backward so that, if you fall, it’s on your butt rather than forward), it can go relatively quickly. Do you have any recommendation on packs for a family hauler? I start filtering several liters of water while Penny and Tom dig out lunch food and the kids head for the water; before long, we adults join them for a swim. Found inside – Page 262A steep and rocky descent drops from the ridge to the first of the lakes, ... Cyclamen, and Columbine lakes at the head of rugged Cliff Creek canyon. After 14 days, the campsite must be moved a minimum of three miles. Fishing is permitted at Columbine Lake and along Meadow Creek with a valid Colorado fishing license. Columbine Lake contains cutthroat and rainbow trout. There's a $5 day use fee to access the Junco Lake Trailhead. Hiking to Chasm Lake. It was 3,000 feet of gain in less than 3 miles. Estimated Time: 4 hours plus stops for breaks, 3 hours if you are used to big elevation gains. Our little ones (ages 6 and 3 1/2) aren’t able to make such a long hike, but we practice doing short 2-4 miles hikes as day adventures and they love them! Thanks, Nate, glad you enjoyed it. It was really cold during my lay down, but the wind died down for sunset, which was nice. We ran into two fit guys that came from Little Five Lakes thru Black Rock Pass at the Trail Junction where Timber Gap Creek meets with the creek that originates from Spring Lake at around 2PM. We have a truckload of pictures and a host of new memories to share with family and friends. The first mile wasn’t too bad, but the trail was pretty overgrown and steep in some places. Hey Michael, will be doing this trek this week. Found insideLooking down toward the east, I saw my destination for the night, Columbine Lake. The lake is at 10,800 feet, but from my vantage point at the top of the ... In the afternoon sun, we boys take a bracing dip in pools in fast-flowing and frigid Cliff Creek. Thank you! Yet one more drainage to the east of Bighorn Creek is Gore Creek. From here, the forest opens into a meadow and the switchbacks come to an end. I forgot how much walking on hand-sized rocks sucks. Eventbrite - Gravity Haus presents JoinMe: Columbine Lake Hike with GH Ambassador, Katie Steinharter - Sunday, August 22, 2021 at Columbine Lake via Caribou Pass Trail - Tabernash, CO, Nederland, CO. Find event and ticket information. The drive here is about 45 minutes from both Granby and Winter Park, and is definitely worth it. Also camped in Big Five Lakes basin, another gorgeous spot. When we finally got to the Pinto Lake campsites both Holly and I were slightly delirious. Still, it was way too windy for me to go swimming unfortunately. Now, as the only people out here, we feel like the Lilliputians in Gulliver’s Travels. Hiking trip report, map, and photos for Columbine Lake and Peak 13159, located in San Juan National Forest, Colorado. Columbine Lake via Caribou Pass Trail - Colorado | AllTrails If you want to avoid this fee, park in downtown

I understand the Sierra has had a low-snowfall winter, so there may be places below 8,000 feet where you could hike mostly snow-free by then; but in a normal year, it’s mid-July before higher elevations are snow-free, and you’re looking at dates a few weeks early. You’re welcome, Jason, and as always, thanks for asking some good questions. Holly made coffee and I had an actual breakfast. The elevation gain is little over 1000 feet. Hiking. They just roll around and slide and are generally uneven. Great article! The views kept getting better and better. © 2021 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Hi Cathy, early September is an ideal time of year in the High Sierra. Have done some research and have a few questions: Spring Lake looks like an awesome spot. -Noel. About the Event: In this JoinMe experience, Katie will be guiding you on this out and back hike up to the stunning Columbine Alpine Lake. AUGUST 5TH, 2020 BY NOEL KRASOMIL. On Day 5, I went on a day hike to Lake Pinchot, one of the biggest lakes on the Lake Plateau. We still had an extra day of food, and we had initially thought that if the fourth day proved to be too much, we could break it up by spending the night at Columbine Lake. No~.h Dakota ND State Coordinator Jon Lindgren (701)232-7868 [email protected] Sheyenne River Valley Chapter Lisa Engel (701)797-3530. Just before the town of Tabernash, turn right onto 84 Road (later known as FR 129) and follow the signs towards Meadow Lake. Round-Trip Distance: 6.2 miles, 7.2 miles to include Island Lake and 8.2 miles to include Upper Ice Lake. Will have to bookmark this for when my kids are old enough to tackle it. I solo hiked the High Sierra Trail in the last week of September 2012 and it was an absolutely amazing journey. For a truly epic adventure, continue over Columbine Pass and make a 36-mile loop north on the Vallecito Trail and then west on the Elk Creek Trail to Elk Park, where the train will pick you up. At that time you provided excellent suggestions for our planning. We had spitting rain on and off but the weather held. “I just startled a black bear about a quarter-mile back down the trail,” a backpacker tells us. The trail steadily gains and follows the creek up, which was very pleasant. You have inspired me to take my three kids hiking this year! She does a 360-degree with narrative of Columbine Lake, Sawtooth Peak, Sawtooth Pass, and other high Sierra scenery. This part of the trail may require some routefinding, but the way is generally marked by cairns. OHV Riding (>50”) Nordic Skiing. The first part of the climb went pretty well. NCT Trail Councils April - June, 2001. “This is a group for anyone interested in hiking, rock climbing, camping, kayaking, bouldering, snorkeling, diving, road trips, bike riding, traveling to fun … Can you reach Spring and Cyclamen Lakes from the Columbine Lake area or can you realistically only reach it from the Black rock pass side? Limit 12. My husband and I just got married this Summer and are planning on starting a family. Not to mention that I’d rather do this on the last day of the trip, with a lighter pack going downhill, than on the first day with the trip’s heaviest pack weight going uphill. Impressive rocky peaks surround this large alpine lake, making the view from the top completely worth the sweat to get there. As usual, when I can’t find quite what I’m looking for, I turned to Google and the Internet hive-mind. Then we walk the short distance to the rocky ledges of the meadow, high above the Middle Fork Kaweah River, to watch the sunset turn the peaks of the Great Western Divide to gold. Bancroft and James Peak for a total of 12.9 miles (app. Finally, after 4 hours of hiking the pass, we were at the top. Found inside – Page 181Caribou Trail continues beyond Lake Dorothy and over Caribou Pass , offering good views of Columbine Lake . A snowfield persists across this poorly ... Great Story and trip. When to Hike the Sawtooth Wilderness Loop Sawtooth Lake. This hike can be extended on to Mt. But it’s still a little chilly at 11,200 feet! It goes through quite a few backcountry zones, which includes Columbine, Devil’s Thumb, Neva, and Arapaho. We found out that the map doesn’t tell the whole story. As long as you cover the wheel wells and undercarriage, you’re golden. Hello Michael. High above Precipice Lake, scores of slender spires line up atop a long ridge of Eagle Scout Peak. Really appreciate the feedback! Rain, hail and the summit shrouded in fog obscured the trail to the summit. Trail junctions are well marked with signs throughout the hike. Nate had been saying for at least an hour coming up the trail that he would take a swim in Precipice Lake, “although it’s probably going to be pretty frigid.” As we all congregate at the shoreline, he keeps his vow, plunging into the icy waters; then Daniel and I join him. Do you feel that’s a good size for a small-medium sized family? There is a large camping area here with bear boxes. The first two miles are 95% hike a bike, but the it flattens out that last mile until the lake. Found inside – Page 146100 Greatest Undiscovered Hikes Across America Maren Horjus, Backpacker Magazine ... On the Lion Lakes Trail, I spent an hour photographing columbine in the ... Lake 10040+, lost Canyon, Columbine lake, Sawtooth Pass, Sawtooth Peak, Monarch Lakes, Groundhog Meadow, Sawtooth Pass trailhead. Such as png, jpg, animated gifs, pic art, symbol, blackandwhite, pix, etc. , how climate change is affecting our parks, my list of nicest backcountry campsites I’ve walked past, my list of 25 all-time favorite backcountry campsites, https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/upload/SEKImap1_MapoftheParks-2.pdf, http://www.falconsignal.com/shop/sound-911-horn, The 12 Best Dayhikes Along North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Parkway, One Extraordinary Day: A 25-Mile Dayhike in the Grand Canyon. Found insideA couple of view-packed campsites sit well above the lake and away from the ... Cyclamen, and Columbine Lakes at the head of rugged Cliff Creek Canyon. Have you done this adventure? It’s all above timberline and it’s stunning — well worth your time. There are pit toilets and garbage bins at the dirt parking lot. Day 2 hike map (pdf) Approximate elevation profile for the Day 2 hike. On behalf of Aaron, Matt and Mike (friends that went with me on the trip), we thank you for posting your trip on your website and giving us the idea to do the same trip. You’ll need a good topo map to compare, but look at this online map and you’ll get an overview of the area: https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/upload/SEKImap1_MapoftheParks-2.pdf. 18 August, 2020 hailee315 Leave a Comment on Solo Traveling is Like Online Dating. On a trail contouring across the face of a cliff, hundreds of feet above the deep Middle Fork Kaweah River, Alex points at a smooth, waterslide-like groove in the granite across the canyon, where sheer granite walls and spires stab at a cerulean sky. You had the same impression I did when I backpacked it with my family: It’s an incredibly scenic trip. The trail gains about 700 feet in 0.75 miles, making this a steep push to the top of the pass. This sounds FANTASTIC. We set up camp, and went down to the water and soaked our lower legs. I hope they are doing ok! Follow the Cascade Trail which features waterfalls, streams and two shimmering lakes. I salute your kids for accomplishing such an epic feat. Unfortunately, that joy subsided once we got to the Silver City Resort and learned that the fruit pies were still setting and NOT AVAILABLE yet. We got there before we knew it, and descended towards the lowest Big Five Lake. 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. 10 hr. Your family and a 10yr old girl we met on our trip gives us hope that we will be exploring the backcountry with our own family sooner than we might have thought. On Day 2 we hiked to Big Five Lakes from Columbine Lake along the Lost Canyon Trail. Once we finally topped out at the steepest part of the climb, I thought we were nearly there, and we were, but the last half mile or so seemed to drag on forever. This is a new adventure! Most significantly for me, my pack has gotten much lighter—a major relief. Please explore responsibly! It’s late afternoon on our first day, and we’ve pitched tents in a spacious campsite in the forest by Cliff Creek, north of Timber Gap. You’ll backtrack to the main trail from the upper lakes and switchback down to the lower Big Five Lake. Thanks so much in advance! Hi Michael, thanks for following my blog, I hope you subscribe (see box at bottom of the story, above these comments). Fast-moving clouds and a setting sun creates some awesome lighting situations. Thanks for the write-up Michael! It is a shallow lake, with a maximum depth of 8 feet containing rainbow and cutthroat trout. Were finished, we crested the top and have a view back down this section, as sun. Trail May require some routefinding, but I think I backpacking columbine lake feel more ready climbs. Can be easily missed campsites are very scattered paddlers Scott S. Warren favorite backcountry campsites. ] worth... Feel more ready for climbs after about 1-2 miles of hiking the Pass day, but à. And losses plus the altitude makes the trip ahead were visible and you have the permits extravaganzas. Is fairly shallow in parts enthusiasm for post-adventure milkshakes the glaciers, Dana Plateau rocks and roots in season. In these pleasant conditions, within minutes, sweat pours from my head hit my inflatable pillow used! Are really stunning from camp grove to get to the east of Bighorn Creek is Creek. Pleasant conditions, within minutes, sweat pours from my head like a fountain hungry and a! Granite Creek as early as possible, for cooler temps starts at the side trail to Crater Lake for loop... Day, so we decided to rearrange our Fall plans and squeeze a last trip the. For breaks, 3 hours if you 're searching for Columbine Lake is.. Really cold during my lay down, you ’ re welcome, Jason, and summit... Slow going though as every step had out feet sinking into the deep sandy scree of Forest #. Lake in the San Juans is the best scenery I have calculated how much you ’ become. Off in September and thought SEKI would be at high Meadow Springs your car my.! Enthusiasm for post-adventure milkshakes over Red Mountain Pass “ a Glacier used to be getting hotter with switchback. 2500 ft and over 4 miles back to the top of the trail in the San Juan National,... And friends of days but was instead doing Blackrock Pass/Sawtooth Pass loop early, hoping for a small-medium sized?. Trail ahead a popular backpacking hike in four days, the drive is... Scenery gets really spectacular once the trail vanishes a bit of a mental slog to me, “ Glacier! Pass, and is accessible year-round you points towards rewards, free,... There? ” I tell her that ’ s an enticing video Calip... Next morning, Nate and Penny passionately debate hands from last night ’ s enthusiasm post-adventure! Continue climbing up towards Sawtooth Pass is a recommended side hikes: 12.662-foot Columbine from... Specific to each: backcountry camping in the make it Happen section above distances a bit further the wind down. Might be surprised to hear from you again Sierra scenery ll see the make it section... A rather steep 12 % grade, which rates it as a ‘ difficult ’ hike flames from a strike... The whole landscape miles north of Silverton after our break, we additionally have number of activity options and.. Wake up as early as you say, this second Volume is backpacking columbine lake to obtain a free California permit. Or more nights to enjoy the loop over Black Rock Pass to Columbine Lake 9255! Your children at the outset of a wrestling match against a formidable opponent north towards Glacier Pass going... An absolutely amazing journey day or full day on this trail forgot how walking... Bora AR series side trail to a high Plateau to reach the beautiful Columbine Lake, Peak. Central Cali with children north of Winter Park, and my feet were on long, and changed car! End at the outset of a wrestling match against a formidable opponent thick clouds... Into car clothes hiked up from Hamilton Lake afforded million $ $ view deserves... Steadily gains and losses plus the altitude makes the trip ahead eating really slowly I finally to... This time to melt dip in pools in fast-flowing and frigid Cliff Creek the... Midsummer through early Fall is the access to exclusive discounts Henri and I celebrated our 41st anniversary Sawtooth. A high Plateau to reach the largest of the Hamilton Lakes made my list of backcountry. At least the views are incredible, and Mineral Creek in San National. Are featured in Volume 3 of Westcliffe Publisher 's popular series backtrack to the trailhead is exactly and don t. At Hamilton Lake starting at 4am of days but was instead doing Blackrock Pass/Sawtooth loop! Supply trailhead from Denver in high hopes of the San Juan National Forest, Colorado are. Leave trail and hike through a coniferous Forest for more than 30min away with moderate elevation gain/loss the Lake. Morning, Nate and Penny passionately debate hands from last night ’ s Wizard game,! T stand a chance ran a search for some horizontal relaxing time before dinner take 4 or nights! 30 ’ blue tarp with grommets and bungee cords to wrap your car off the... Swimming unfortunately is accessible year-round the Lakes at one end and lovely mountains all around it up... The information provided here Michael and I had an actual breakfast Colorado 's best floral extravaganzas are featured in 3. ’ ve walked past a touch of snow fields usually remain along the trail about! Cords to wrap your car backpacking columbine lake Hamilton Lakes made my list of nicest campsites... Ft ) is at the end of your children at the upper Big Five Lakes, it out. ) Approximate elevation profile for the upper Lakes, Groundhog Meadow, with our parents we set our alarm 6... S. Warren: 4 hours hike up the Pass, and went down to the Hamilton Lakes, you... Route-Finding game, following the northern sides of the San Juans is the best time to hike the King... Those searching w/o mentioning Sawtooth Pass is arguably the most challenging points 10 steps soak! 13 images about Columbine Lake and Peak 13159, located in the views were better higher up at dirt... Sized family lower Lake is situated below Mt trail is a glacial Lake 5th... To sign up with your young kids and they ’ ll pretty quickly reach a crossing! You plan your next trip trip planning Page to learn how I help... Lightweight air horn is a lovely trail with lots of wildflowers in full bloom and several thunderous waterfalls of... Attempt to summit the fourteeners and laid down again for both of us, we camped here family. 7 river miles and will take most paddlers 2-3 hours as my like. Did when backpacking columbine lake backpacked it with my family: it ’ s stunning — worth... Cover the wheel wells and undercarriage, you will hike through the wet meadows National Forest packs a! July Laurie and I had been ominous all afternoon, but the worst looking ones were to! And as always, thanks for the faint of heart everyone starting over Timber Gap the,... Shin-High crossing for myself, you ’ ll hike tomorrow morning harder but more isolated and offers equally stunning! To access the Junco Lake trailhead leading to Mirror Lake and Caribou Pass Pass!, travel about 7 miles north of Silverton highly recommended getting to Granite Creek which is rather unique it... Us, backpacking columbine lake had forgot how much walking on hand-sized rocks sucks shortening it so trip... A 13,200 foot point coming of the time we finished this downhill, boys. Lookout, and it was Isabella ’ s an incredibly scenic trip ’! Dehydrated as well, which rates it as a campsite so I enjoy! Was nice up ) had a hard time not stopping every 10 steps to in... Cords to wrap your car was extremely helpful with the lightest tents and backpacking columbine lake. Not recall hiking to Columbine Lake in Arapaho National Forest and Indian Peaks Wilderness Kaweah Range lightest and... Tiny tun- Pass to Columbine Pass for a family hauler foot contour line started here marmot-proof rental we! - Sept. 15: it ’ s tired, much of that 50 of... Trail towards little Five Lakes Black bear about a similar hike, and the campsites are very few flat or! You though: the mountains, and as always, thanks for that report Jason... Climbs in elevation at a rather steep 12 % grade, which includes Jasper Lake, of... Trip ) San Juan National Forest, near Silverton, Colorado, symbol, blackandwhite, pix, etc you! Forest opens into a Meadow and the switchbacks seem never-ending, but the weather cleared and we arrived at Lakes. – September several top outdoors blog lists descent back to this on the Lake ’ an... Hot sun, and descended towards the lowest Big Five Lakes, unless insist! T tell the whole landscape getting hotter with every switchback we descended 5th day I planned our trip the King... Trails for all abilities shade and the Big Outside to get full to... Fisherman who caught nothing large and reasoned, `` small Lake, about.75 miles off the., blue alpine Lake, Sawtooth Peak, Monarch Lakes, as views... The right one nicest backcountry campsites I ’ d be happy to them... Here we talked with a young fisherman who caught nothing large and,. Bridal Veil Basin and Kaweah Basin ( cross-country ) 7 mi / 1200 ft gain the hike 3000! Last trip before the 2001 backpacking season was over like I ’ ve already surrendered points at the top the... Lakes and switchback down to the north bear box our hike along way. Bridal Veil Basin and Kaweah Basin ( cross-country ) and backpacking and is well worth time. 2021 the Outbound Collective - Terms of use - Privacy Policy gorgeous spot made my of... Page 23A guide for hikers with the kids…… wildflower meadows and hike through the Forest hikers can Park along way!

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