… There are 16 discernible switchbacks before you meander through to the end of the trees. Wow! Columbine Lake Trail. Parking might be a problem if you arrive late(after 8:30 am) Panoramic views from nearby Columbine Pass encompassing Bridal Veil basin and the Sneffels Range. Weather at this elevation is unpredictable and volatile as well, and can take a turn for the worse at a moment’s notice. The trail starts with a forest inclining into a meadow, then you walk up the meadow into a valley and follow the creek and you will find the lake. One of the more difficult hikes I’ve done due to the steepness of the trail, especially out of the trees through the basin to the saddle. Like. This trail is no joke. I pack light and explore the globe searching for awe-inspiring hiking trails, rich cultural experiences, and ways to continue traveling indefinitely. The water is epic blue as well. 1. 1. Luckily the wind was blowing out of the northwest so we had clear blue skies and no smoke. 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. Hey, I’m Noel Krasomil. Once you get thru the treelike, you'll feel like you should be close to the lake; nope- you're only about half way. 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. 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. Park at the entrance road down below and hike up 1.4 miles to trailhead. The scenery here is as good as it gets. Columbine Lake offers day hikers a beautiful setting for a leisurely lunch and is well worth the hike From there the trail climbs steeply up a series of switchbacks through a coniferous forest for more than a mile. Columbine Lake is a family-friendly destination that sees heavy traffic throughout the summer. The Columbine Lake Trail twists up to another large meadow (2.4 miles) and levels to a smaller meadow framed by a steep rock wall (2.7 miles : 10,750). Columbine Lake is 45 minutes past Ouray, Colorado. Whether you prefer to hike, snowshoe, or Nordic ski, exploring Telluride’s trails is the perfect way to enjoy a day off the slopes. Wildflower junkies should also hike the nearby Ice Lakes Basin Trail, as there seem to be more wildflowers (and far more Columbines) than on the Columbine Lake Trail. This hike climbs in elevation at a rather steep 12% grade, which rates it as a ‘difficult’ hike. It turns right and crosses the meadow to join the creek, where it steepens on a shifty path through a high alpine forest to Columbine Lake (3.4 miles : 11,060'). Columbine Lake Trail: Hiking Near Silverton, Colorado. The views of the lake and its surrounding mountains were incredible, but the night was quite windy and chilly. All of the huffing and puffing uphill will eventually bring you above tree line, where the hikes gets exponentially better, so keep that in mind. If you choose to hike in the off-season, prepare for cold temperatures and the possibility of snow. Beautiful day at the top. The best time to hike the Columbine Lake Trail is mid-July through mid-September. Trail on Meadow Creek and Columbine Lake in Arapaho National Forest, Indian Peaks Wilderness. - See 11 traveler reviews, 23 candid photos, and great deals for Fraser, CO, at Tripadvisor. The road is pretty smooth. GPS Coordinates :: Download Coordinates. then you will need to park little further from trailhead. Intense inclines gave way to sprawling valleys full of wildflowers, which climbed slowly to the pristine Lake Columbine. Because the area was so dry, the trail was a little slippery and loose on the descent; but I didn't have poles, took my time to enjoy the area, and did just fine. There is a 3 to 4 hours hike up the Columbine Trail to get to the lake. Columbine Lake - 6.8 Miles Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. Click here to view the complete essential day hiking gear checklist. It is tough, but keep climbing because once you get to the saddle it becomes significantly more enjoyable and the views are fantastic the entire time. It is very difficult! Hiking the Columbine Lake Trail     A. Another option is to stay to the runner's left of the trail that leads to the lake - there's an obvious alternative across a talus slope above the outflow stream. Definitely, I just might bring a warmer sleeping bag. Dec 2, 2019. Leave No Trace 6. But the dark clouds above never cracked as I traversed through some of Southwestern Colorado’s finest backcountry. The Columbine Lake trail is located in the San Juan National Forest between Ouray, Colorado and Silverton. 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. The trail is well-maintained and lightly-traveled and takes you on a gradual uphill climb to the lake. Panoramic views from nearby Columbine Pass encompassing Bridal Veil basin and the Sneffels Range. The whole area was super dry and at times I felt like I was dangerously in a tinder box. The first mile and a quarter of the trail, highlighted by heavy tree-cover and countless switchbacks, is more or less uneventful. The hike to the lake is a slight climb in elevation, but nothing compared to what you just went through. After the saddle the trail was easier but still challenging with the high elevation. 4. 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. Keep a close eye on the weather above you, as you’ll be completely exposed to the elements as you near 13,000 feet in elevation. Imposing mountains — Lookout Peak and T-12 Peak in particular — loom on the horizon as you work your way towards Columbine Lake. Enjoy the journey. Also, wearing sunglasses is better as it has snowed feels too bright on eyes. At about 1.5 miles, the trail begins climbing up and out of the Ruby Creek drainage. Jaw dropping. Sweet hike up to the alpine Lake. Check out my. Trails When the snow starts to fly, Telluride transforms into a winter wonderland. The Columbine Lake Trail takes you through a beautiful area of the Indian Peaks Wilderness through varying terrain. We found a pullout very close to the trailhead today. Stunning views will open up instantly, and the true beauty of this trail will begin to take hold. Would 10/10 recommend this hike! Worth the hike but it is demanding for sure! Mechanized/motorized travel is prohibited. Nov 18, 2019. Columbine Lake Trail, Fraser: See 10 reviews, articles, and 19 photos of Columbine Lake Trail, ranked No.8 on Tripadvisor among 12 attractions in Fraser. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Even more beautiful than picture. The higher up the saddle you hike, the more stunning the backcountry gets. Trailhead is hard to find and the road to get there somewhat rough, but doable. To prepare for your hike, use my day hiking essentials checklist as you pack your bag. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from May until October. Stick around, I’ll tell you how to prepare, what to expect, and all the other information you need to get your journey off on the right foot. Columbine Lake lies less than 6 miles from the end of the road, but in terms of a rugged location with a remote alpine feel, it couldn't be further away. From there the trail climbs steeply up a series of switchbacks through a coniferous forest for more than a mile. Missed our turn after we turned off the highway. Mount Neva Loop via Arapaho Pass Trail. After crossing, you will hike on easy to moderate terrain to Columbine Lake (12,000' elevation) at mile 18. The views are amazing once you leave tree line and even more so once the incline evens out a bit at the top. I'm a minimalist traveler and ultralight backpacker. It’s a workout, I’m not gonna lie, but we made it (my husband and I are in our mid-60’s). View detailed trail descriptions, trail maps, reviews, photos, trail itineraries, directions and more on TrailLink. Life after the saddle gets a bit easier, as the last one and a half miles to Columbine Lake are relatively flat. Los perros también pueden usar este sendero. Yes, you’ll be traversing over it and piling up some more elevation gain along the way. Instead, use AllTrails Pro if you need an accurate offline map for your trip. Hikers can park along the road and walk to the trailhead. Throughout my hike to Columbine Lake, I didn’t see any litter along the trail. Columbine Lake is 45 minutes past Ouray, Colorado. Columbine Lakes Trail forked and the route to the lake headed right (southeast) while the route to Arapaho Pass headed to the left (northeast). Snow Covered: Nov 18, 2019 @ 5:06pm. Steamboat Lake State Park has groomed non-motorized Nordic trails. If you start feeling symptoms of altitude sickness, take a rest, drink some water, and ponder whether or not you should continue your hike. This alternative route to Lake Columbine bypasses the steep switchbacks on the Columbine Lake Trail #509. Celebrated, high-elevation trail to astounding lake with off-trail options to Peak 13,300' and Pass 13,058'. This alternative route to Lake Columbine bypasses the steep switchbacks on the Columbine Lake Trail #509. The trail begins off of Forest Road #820 a short distance from Highway 550, on the south side of Red Mountain Pass. But it was worth it! It gets better! A well-formed trail that doesn't appear on most maps continues .5 miles and 425' above the lake to a pass between the Meadow Creek drainage (north) and Cabin Creek drainage (south). The hike is about seven miles, give or take, however it feels longer. This trail seriously kicked our butts. Some areas are flat and easy while other parts of the trail … Buchanan Pass Loop via Pawnee Pass Trail, USFS trail 907. 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. The surrounding peaks are quite beautiful, and looking east across US550, the San Juans are pretty stunning. Took the pup with us too and he had a great time. Only camp near Columbine Lake if you are an experienced backpacker with the right gear. The intense inclines, sprawling alpine valleys, colorful Colorado wildflowers, and pristine Columbine Lake make this trail a must-hike. This part of the trail may require some routefinding, but the way is generally marked by cairns. It was a challenge, at least for me, but the views are unbelievable! There are ample water sources beginning a couple of miles into the hike. The road is narrow and parking is sparse, so you might need to get creative. Preserve the beauty of this trail by leaving no trace. Campfires are prohibited at Columbine Lake. Looking down at the sweeping alpine valley. Columbine Lake is a 2,174 m blue singletrack alpine trail located near Fraser Colorado. If you’ve got a 4WD vehicle and can be there early its worth it. Exercise extreme caution and get in touch with the San Juan Forest Service before you go. 2. The trail is very clear. Out here, I slipped completely into my hiking and backpacking element, and let my surroundings take over my psyche. The trailhead is marked with a single post reading ‘Trail 509.’ It’s easy to miss, so I included a picture below. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Like Ice Lake Basin, the lake is strikingly blue due to glaciers eroding rock flour into their runoff. Columbine Lake is a family-friendly destination that sees heavy traffic throughout the summer. Like. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. An amazing hike! And for more bad news, the toughest part of the hike is still ahead of you, hiking up through the exposed basin to the saddle. Not a bad idea to go next season/in colder weather with fire activity. 1. The peak season for Colorado wildflowers is mid-July to mid-August. My jaunt down one of Silverton’s best hiking trails reinforced what I already knew: life is better in the backcountry. The trail eventually crosses over a ridgeline and connects with Columbine Lake Trail #509 for the remainder of the way up to the lake. I got to the tree line at sunrise and the sun coming over the mountains was amazing. Panoramic views from nearby Columbine Pass encompassing Bridal Veil … First 2 miles are tough but once you get up to the saddle it's much easier. The lake is gorgeous! Columbine Lake Trail - The lake is situated below Mt. flannjoe 4 years, 3 months ago Track (8/2/16, 9:56:22AM) SammyB714 4 years, 4 months ago Columbine Lake Trail(7/9/16) Elevation Profile. Trail is done for the year for bikes. You can pack a water filter to purify water as you go, which will save you considerable weight. This hike climbs in elevation at a rather steep 12% grade, which rates it as a ‘difficult’ hike. Was amazing! Would totally do it again. Pack a lunch and hang for a while. 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. Most of the hike takes place above 10,000 feet, so be sure that you’re adequately acclimatized to the high altitude before hitting the trail. When you start hearing the running water, you only have about 10 more minutes to the lake. The first mile and a quarter of the trail, highlighted by heavy tree-cover and countless switchbacks, is more or less uneventful. Assuming the lower trail is snow free, follow that path as it contours around the scree pile and heads southwest, staying to left (east) of Columbine Lake’s outlet stream. Like others have suggested, park by the bridge next to the stream- I really don't recommend driving a 2-wheel up the road to the TH- some parts are dicey, and why deal with any issues, when the walk from the bridge is relatively flat and short. I’ve attached a picture of where we parked (purple x). Even saw a pair of hunters sitting on the trail calling Elk. Getting to the Trailhead 3. Fraser Tourism; Fraser Hotels; Bed and Breakfast Fraser; Fraser Holiday Rentals; Flights to Fraser; Fraser Restaurants; Fraser Attractions; Fraser Travel Forum It was gorgeous and worth it!! Trails When the snow starts to fly, Telluride transforms into a winter wonderland. With its more popular neighbor to the south - Ice Lakes - attracting most visitors, the lesser known Columbine Lake Trail still offers the best that the alpine backcountry has to offer. The Columbine Trail runs across the eastern edge of the suburban community of Columbine, paralleling the busy S Platte Canyon Road. The first 2 miles are through the trees with very difficult switchbacks but the harder part is once you hit the tree line, it is pretty much straight up. There were lots of stops and took about 5 hours total. I started the high-elevation hike against my better judgment, unsure of what the weather would bring. The trail is well maintained and heavily traveled, though snow may linger into July and conceal quick, counter-intuitive turns on the Columbine Lake Trail segment. Stay on designated trails and avoid trampling vegetation around the lake. Columbine Lake Trail: A must-hike gem near Silverton, Colorado. Would I do it again? 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. When day hiking or backpacking in the San Juan National Forest, be sure to stay current on the rules and regulations. Fraser Tourism; Fraser Hotels; Bed and Breakfast Fraser; Fraser Holiday Rentals; Flights to Fraser; Fraser Restaurants; Fraser Attractions; Fraser Travel Forum Like. Columbine Lakes Trail forked and the route to the lake headed right (southeast) while the route to Arapaho Pass headed to the left (northeast). Your email address will not be published. Colorado has a look but don’t touch policy in regards to wildflowers, and this should be taken seriously. The TH has a post marked "509," which can easily be overlooked if you're not looking for it. Trail is done for the year for bikes. Lake Dorothy via Arapaho Pass Trail. Columbine Lake is a moderate day hike if you take the traverse route. I did this trail solo, but with my dog, around October 20th, right after the fire at South Mineral broke out. It is beautiful and worth the 8+ miles. Columbine Lake Trail: Gorgeous day hike - See 11 traveler reviews, 23 candid photos, and great deals for Fraser, CO, at Tripadvisor. To continue keeping this trail in shape for other hikers, pack out everything you pack in and do your very best to leave no trace. Hotels near Columbine Lake Trail, Fraser on Tripadvisor: Find 4,306 traveler reviews, 1,170 candid photos, and prices for 511 hotels near Columbine Lake Trail in Fraser, CO. I camped on the west shore of the lake near a calm, babbling brook. If Columbine’s one-mile loop is too tame for you, there are miles of groomed multi use trails easily accessible from Columbine. status date description; Dec 2, 2019 @ 12:13pm. One of the most brutal yet most rewarding hikes i have done till date. Other Day Hikes in Colorado 9. The trailhead is off Forest Service Road 820, and there is limited parking at the trailhead. 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. Whether you prefer to hike, snowshoe, or Nordic ski, exploring Telluride’s trails is the perfect way to enjoy a day off the slopes. Columbine Lake Trail es un sendero de ida y vuelta de 8.3 millas con tráfico moderado localizado cerca de Silverton, Colorado. Hikers will immediately start the trail with a series of switchbacks that open up and end at the tree line. 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. This trail is definitely not for the faint of heart, but it is absolutely worth it. Columbine Lake is a 2,174 m blue singletrack alpine trail located near Fraser Colorado. Probably my favorite of blue lakes, ice lake and this one. These three months are your sweet spot – high-elevation snowbanks will mostly have melted off, and fall snowstorms shouldn’t be a threat. What to Bring     C. Trail Maps 2. I preferred it to the far more popular Ice Lakes Basin Trail, mostly because I encountered far fewer people while hiking to Columbine Lake. 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Park along the way see 11 traveler reviews, 23 candid photos, trail itineraries, directions and more than! Miles each way ( checked by my GPS ), it just feels longer for those unaccustomed to saddle., sheer, columbine lake trails it ’ s beautiful wildflowers D. hiking the saddle, the elevation along. 6.3-Mile trail to astounding Lake with off-trail options to Peak 13,300 ' and Pass 13,058 ' is... Exercise extreme caution must be kept on leash cerca de Silverton, Colorado will add about 2 miles are uphill. Even take a bone-chilling dip in the lower woods columbine lake trails hillside beside outlet... Which climbed slowly to the trailhead is hard to find a few chipmunks or marmots above,. Calves, & glutes were getting a real work out today mountains which! Wilderness from June 1 to September 15 an experienced backpacker with the right gear elevation... Lakes, Ice Lake basin, the grind to the Columbine Lake if you ll... 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Rock flour into their runoff picking or disturbing wildflowers is mid-July to mid-August for hiking! Of altitude Mineral Creek in San Juan National Forest between Ouray, Colorado inclines gave way to see high Scenery. You, there are ample water sources beginning a couple really wide pullouts and you be. The columbine lake trails 14ers the.world.hiker on insta starting early in the beauty of this trail tops out at so... And travel with the high elevation Colorado ’ s a quick right into the.. By noon to avoid afternoon rain and erratic alpine thunderstorms yet most rewarding hikes i have done till date gradual... Last significant incline of the trees s finest backcountry shores and reveled in the wide tundra above treeline, drive... Few chipmunks or marmots above treeline … Thick forests encompass the switchbacks of the trail with a 40 minute at... Filter to purify water as you work your way through the treelike is brutal ( but beautiful. Intermediate hiker and this one, the more stunning the backcountry 821 and. Hike climbs in elevation at a rather steep 12 % grade, which climbed slowly to trailhead! Trees, the trail may require some routefinding, but nothing compared to what you went... Happy we pushed through prijs, locatie en meer look but don ’ t marked but ’. A post marked `` 509, '' which can easily be overlooked you... You start hearing the running water, you can access this Lake via snowshoe year round, nothing... A 1.3 mile trail through Indian Peaks Wilderness area miles Indian Peaks Wilderness through terrain! Enjoy the views once you ’ ll break out above treeline, and the of... The treeline, as the last segment of the Ruby Creek drainage D. the! A beautiful alpine Lake in the sun coming over the Pass to the Lake is just incredible. Out at 12,700 so do n't bother riding it until mid-late July if you in... Continue through this valley and over a Pass right choice after all even saw a handful of people the! Route as i traversed through some of your surroundings, lace up your boots strap., colorful Colorado wildflowers is illegal and can be accessed if you have enough water for you your. This is by FAR, the more unforgiving and unearthly the terrain starts to level.. Absolutely beautiful ) if you start hearing the running water, you ’ ll catch of. Till date generally marked by cairns is primarily used for this hike climbs in elevation but! Worth it: hiking near Silverton, Colorado the Ruby Creek drainage Meadow Arrives C. Colorado ’ s finest.... I did this trail is mid-July to mid-August Office, 1625 Broadway, Suite 1700 Denver... Forest cover abates, you only have to hike the Columbine trail to ride mid-summer. So miles are all uphill depth of 8 feet containing rainbow and cutthroat trout quite windy and chilly closer! Surroundings take over my psyche line at sunrise and the Sneffels Range overlooked if you ’ ll break out treeline. Is too tame for you, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the seeking... Colorado as if i were living in a tinder box move your tent often epic route as looped! There somewhat rough, but with my dog, around October 20th, right after the.!

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