Much less crowded than island and blue lakes. Tweet. Views from the pass extend west encompassing Bridal Veil Basin, Mt Sneffels (14,150-ft.) and the Sneffels Range. Find a Free Campsite. Length 8.3 miElevation gain 2933 ftRoute type Out & back Be prepared for afternoon lightning and rain/snow. Now that it has snowed, some microspikes or poles will help on the higher elevation while coming down. Other hiking trails found near Silverton include Columbine Lake, Handies Peak, Highland Mary Lake, and Redcloud Peak. No wonder this is such an extremely popular hike! © HikingWalking.com. Silverton Trails; Silverton Trail Map; Silverton Trail Reports; Share. It is fairly steep for the the next 2.5 miles but the views once you reach the tree line are great. This is a popular mountain biking trail, but it is also a beautiful place to hike. 6. Watch out for the beginning of trail from the unpaved road on the left, it is easy to miss because it is atleast 1.5 feet higher than the unpaved road. Took the pup with us too and he had a great time. Its crystal clear and bright blue. The parking lot is at N 37 48.394, W … Columbine lake trail is a 13 4 kilometer moderately trafficked out and back trail located near silverton colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. 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). Total time up for us, which included multiple stops to catch our breath and snap some pictures, was about 2:45, and back down was 1:45. Oh the places you'll go! The first two miles to the saddle are killer. The first 3 miles or so are a grind and very steep. Would 10/10 recommend this hike! There are 16 discernible switchbacks before you meander through to the end of the trees. The trail begins off of Forest Road #820 a short distance from Highway 550, on the south side of Red Mountain Pass. San Juan National forest, near Silverton in Southwest Colorado, View toward the western end of beautiful Columbine Lake, This 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. Silverton / Ouray, Region Information: Columbine Lake Hike, Silverton, Colorado. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. I saw a total of 8 other hikers on this trail; 4 of which came from another TH. Beautiful Hike and worth the incline to get to the top! Columbine Lake, a turquoise jewel, is tucked in a stunning glacial bowl ringed by rugged ridges and peaks over 13,000-ft. For hikers with the time and energy a side trip to Columbine Pass is highly recommended. You can access this lake via snowshoe year round, but there are avalanches in this area, so extreme caution must be used. Surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, Telluride is the perfect spot for chasing after new adventures. With a 40 minute stop at the lake it took us about 5.5 hours. This is BY FAR, the toughest part of the hike. 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. To get to the TH, turn on the Ophir Pass Road, cross the creek and park, or to get closer take a right on FS Rd 820, or ride the Rainbow Trail from Silverton. Between Ouray and Silverton. status date description; Dec 2, 2019 @ 12:13pm. Take your time as it definitely is a lot of elevation gain. Though daily traffic is not as heavy at Highland Mary’s as at Ice Lakes, there's … It is beautiful and worth the 8+ miles. Why was I torturing myself with exhaustion, gaining 100s of feet in altitude with each step, while cold rain hit my skin, and fierce wind whipped against my body. Columbine Lake is a siege of ever-changing, iridescent color that will not be pinned down: cobalt, indigo, sapphire, turquoise. The lake is gorgeous! The trail is very clear. Trailhead is not marked with a name but just a post marker so have your map. Pack a lunch and hang for a while. 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. This opinionated guide includes all the hikes in the Ouray, Telluride, Silverton and Lake City sections of the website plus info on local services and nearby attractions. A front wheel drive car might as well. El sendero ofrece una serie de opciones de actividades y es accesible todo el año. However, what I would consider the toughest part of the trail is the mile or so that is in between the tree line and the saddle. There are a couple really wide pullouts and you’ll only have to hike a tenth of a mile to the trail. hard but fun. 6 likes. Columbine Lake Trail es un sendero de ida y vuelta de 8.3 millas con tráfico moderado localizado cerca de Silverton, Colorado. This trail is definitely not for the faint of heart, but it is absolutely worth it. My thighs, calves, & glutes were getting a real work out today! If you’ve got a 4WD vehicle and can be there early its worth it. Trail Map | Photo Gallery I did this trail solo, but with my dog, around October 20th, right after the fire at South Mineral broke out. Southwest Colorado. This trail is no joke. It lies under Mount Neva (12,814') in a broad treeline basin ringed by level meadows, tree-topped knolls and alpine terraces. The Ice Lakes Basin Trail is located near Silverton, Colorado, within the Columbine Ranger District of San Juan National Forest. Wow! I’ve attached a picture of where we parked (purple x). Columbine Lake Trail is a 13.4 kilometer moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Silverton, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. There is maybe room for a couple cars along the dirt road but any more than a couple you're going to be impeding any other traffic on the road. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. The 16 switchbacks(1 mile long) is not the hardest part, the challenge arises when you’ve got to hike on the steep mountain for 1.2 miles. The lake's shoreline invites exploration, providing multiple perspectives on the surrounding peaks. If you are using all trails to give directions to the trailhead, it will stop at the entrance of Ophir pass but the actual trailhead starts almost one mile later. The lake is stunning. Also, wearing sunglasses is better as it has snowed feels too bright on eyes. I’d say any 2WD truck would make it. Stony Pass, ATV Trail 821, and Cinnamon Pass OHV Route. Columbine Ranger District 367 Pearl Street Beautiful day at the top. Not a bad idea to go next season/in colder weather with fire activity. I highly recommend trekking poles on the way down. Keep going! Highly recommend this trail, one of my favorites so far! Columbine Lake in Colorado is a hidden treasure nestled among towering mountain peaks. Directions to columbine-lake trailhead (37.860193, -107.727964) update trails status or condition Columbine Lake Trail Reports. Missed our turn after we turned off the highway. nick1803. See my adventures on insta @cdesmondtravel. Columbine Lake (11,060') is located 3.4 miles from Junco Lake Trailhead on the west side of the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The pass is located on the ridge to the northwest of the lake. Dogs are also able to use this trail. We laid in the sun for almost an hour. Once you top out of the trees, the trail continues on a steep incline until you get to the saddle. Worth the hike but it is demanding for sure! 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. The pass is located on the ridge to the northwest of the lake. But it was worth it! I reached the lake at 8:25am and there were only 3 other people up there at this time, 2 of which were camping out. One of the most brutal yet most rewarding hikes i have done till date. We got there by 8:30am on a Friday and got one of the last parking spots at the trailhead which takes 2 miles off the length. It was gorgeous and worth it!! First 2 miles are tough but once you get up to the saddle it's much easier. The views are amazing once you leave tree line and even more so once the incline evens out a bit at the top. The remaining 1.4 miles is straight with some ups and downs and crossing a creek. Columbine Lake Trail: A must-hike gem near Silverton, Colorado Though I only spent 24 hours hiking and backpacking along the Columbine Lake Trail, my adventure into the breathtaking San Juan National Forest was unforgettable. ... Silverton. Twin Buttes Trail. The part that is in the trees includes (like a previous review said) 16 switchbacks ranging in length and steepness. When you start hearing the running water, you only have about 10 more minutes to the lake. then you will need to park little further from trailhead. Although it is not the longest, the elevation makes it extremely tough. The surrounding peaks are quite beautiful, and looking east across US550, the San Juans are pretty stunning. It’s a workout, I’m not gonna lie, but we made it (my husband and I are in our mid-60’s). Pretty epic route as I looped back down to the trailhead for a 15 mile loop. 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. Luckily the wind was blowing out of the northwest so we had clear blue skies and no smoke. I got to the tree line at sunrise and the sun coming over the mountains was amazing. 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. I followed Google Maps - and there is no signage so it can be concussing. And you will be absolutely speechless once you get to the lake! Located in the San Juan National Forest outside Silverton, Colorado, Columbine Lake is a stunning mountain lake. Near Silverton, Colorado. An amazing hike! Parking can be difficult and a higher clearance vehicle is preferred to park by the trail head. Deer Ridge - $205 avg/night - Columbine Lake - Amenities include: Internet, Pets Welcome, TV, Satellite or cable, Washer & Dryer, Parking, Heater Bedrooms: 1 Sleeps: 7 Pet friendly Minimum stay from 2 night(s) Bookable directly online - Book vacation rental 705280 with Vrbo. Dec 2, 2019. Telluride. I am an intermediate hiker and struggled to the top, although once you get there, it is worth it. It was a challenge, at least for me, but the views are unbelievable! Even more beautiful than picture. The water is unbelievably blue, and I would recommended taking a lunch or snacks to sit and enjoy the views. Park at the entrance road down below and hike up 1.4 miles to trailhead. Jaw dropping. Check in with the Forest Service before snowshoeing. Enjoy Our Beautiful Mountain Home In The Heart Of The Colorado Rockies! Was amazing! Your knees will thank you! Panoramic views from nearby Columbine Pass encompassing Bridal Veil basin and the Sneffels Range.Read Full Description. I would recommend parking near the bridge that crosses the little stream when you get off the highway and then walk the half mile up the dirt road. I’m a pretty experienced hiker and this was tough. Getting to Columbine Lake involves a steep climb and the trail to the pass some route finding skills but it is well worth the effort. If you park down on the main road you will add about 2 miles round trip. Perched high in the San Juan Mountains, Silverton, Colorado RV Parks enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery you'll find anywhere. Trailhead is hard to find and the road to get there somewhat rough, but doable. lots of slippery, deep snow. The road is pretty smooth. I started the high-elevation hike against my better judgment, unsure of what the weather would bring. So worth it! The last mile or so is flat and beautiful with range views and a nice stream where you can fill a filtering water bottle for fresh mountain water. The whole area was super dry and at times I felt like I was dangerously in a tinder box. This part of the trail may require some routefinding, but the way is generally marked by cairns. Highland Mary Lakes. There were 4 other people up there. Must do hike! Then the lake is the real show stopper! 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. 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. For inspiration from all the CO 14ers the.world.hiker on insta. Do not attempt to drive up to the trailhead if you don’t have a 4WD/AWD. Highly recommend the lake and exploring the adjacent basin. Like others have mentioned, although this trail is grueling, the grind to the top IS worth it. Explore the best of Columbine Lake! This trail seriously kicked our butts. As the days shorten and the snow covers the alpine lakes here is one last salute to summer above treeline. Silverton, Colorado offers a variety of moderate to difficult high country trails. After the saddle the trail was easier but still challenging with the high elevation. I’ve done my share of backpacking to insanely colored lakes, but Columbine Lake was a real shocker. Whether you want to experience the city like a tourist or follow the locals, check out this great resource for your trip. Whether you prefer to hike, snowshoe, or Nordic ski, exploring Telluride’s trails is the perfect way to enjoy a day off the slopes. We found a pullout very close to the trailhead today. When the snow starts to fly, Telluride transforms into a winter wonderland. It's only missing mermaids. Columbine Lake is a turquoise jewel set in a stunning glacial bowl ringed by rugged ridges and peaks over 13,000-ft. Lookout Peak (13,661-ft.) rises above the southwestern end of the lake. But prepare well for it and take poles if you have issues walking up hill. Colorado Tourism Office, 1625 Broadway, Suite 1700 , Denver, CO, 80202, Phone: 800-COLORADO. A trip report from hiking the beautiful blue Columbine Lake near Silverton, CO. The hike to Columbine Lake outside of Silverton, Colorado could well grace the pages and star in such a fanciful tale. Best Camping in Silverton on Tripadvisor: Find 119 traveler reviews, 85 candid photos, and prices for 6 camping in Silverton, Colorado, United States. Once you get thru the treelike, you'll feel like you should be close to the lake; nope- you're only about half way. This trail tops out at 12,700 so don't bother riding it until mid-late July if you want to get to the lake. I would recommend parking close to the bridge and hiking up to the trailhead because the road to get there is not made for vehicles that are not 4x4 capable. Featured trails in the area include Rainbow Trail, Kendall Mountain, Stony Peak, Kendall Peak, Highland Mary Lakes, Columbine Lake and Pass, Ice Lakes, Porphyry Basin, Bear Creek National Recreation Trail, and Spencer Basin. There were lots of stops and took about 5 hours total. Mother nature held back its worst, and I soaked in the beauty of Southwestern Colorado as if I were living in a postcard. Using all trails maps for the trail is better if you are starting early in the morning. Parking might be a problem if you arrive late(after 8:30 am) We went in not realizing the difficulty but very happy we pushed through. It gets better! Sports & Recreation. We only saw a handful of people on the trail, and that was really nice. 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. The hike through the fairytale meadows to get there is almost as rewarding as the turquoise water itself. Well worth it! At about 1.5 miles, the trail begins climbing up and out of the Ruby Creek drainage. Camping is available but the alpine meadow is fragile, so tread lightly and move your tent often. I suggest driving up the dirt road to just past the trailhead. This extraordinary alpine lake is surrounded by several 13ers, including 13,761-foot Fuller Peak, 13,894-foot Vermillion Peak, 13,780-foot Golden Horn, 13,738-foot Pilot Knob and 13,767-foot U.S. Grant Peak, looking from left to right. The first few miles is an uphill slog. Columbine Lake Trail in San Juan National Forest My route of the Columbine Lake Trail I arrived at Silverton’s Columbine Lake Trailhead on an ominously overcast afternoon with dull thunder rumbling overhead and cold rain sprinkling down. The Ice Lakes Basin trailhead begins from the dirt parking lot across the road from South Mineral Campground. From there the trail climbs steeply up a series of switchbacks through a coniferous forest for more than a mile. 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. Downtown Telluride in the Spring. My friend's daughter recently titled a set on facebook the name of this whimsical Dr. Suess Book. It is very difficult! Camping near Silverton,Colorado. 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. The road isn’t marked but it’s a quick right into the trees shortly after the bridge. There is shade up to tree line. Didn't see anyone else until hitting the tree line on the way down around 10:30am, after that I saw 20+ people heading up so I'd say the earlier you go the better. Sweet hike up to the alpine Lake. The trail is 7.6 miles in total if you start from the trailhead which falls on the left of the dirt road. 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