The lake is stunning. 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. Well worth it! Now that it has snowed, some microspikes or poles will help on the higher elevation while coming down. The first 3 miles or so are a grind and very steep. Silverton, Colorado offers a variety of moderate to difficult high country trails. Although it is not the longest, the elevation makes it extremely tough. Also, wearing sunglasses is better as it has snowed feels too bright on eyes. Also keep Advil tablets for headaches if you’re not acclimated to 12700 ft of altitude. 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. There is shade up to tree line. Jaw dropping. Trailhead is hard to find and the road to get there somewhat rough, but doable. 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. El sendero ofrece una serie de opciones de actividades y es accesible todo el año. The lake is gorgeous! As others have said, the hike up through the treelike is brutal (but absolutely beautiful) if you take your time. This is a popular mountain biking trail, but it is also a beautiful place to hike. It gets better! Views from the pass extend west encompassing Bridal Veil Basin, Mt Sneffels (14,150-ft.) and the Sneffels Range. All Rights Reserved. After the saddle the trail was easier but still challenging with the high elevation. Columbine Lake is a siege of ever-changing, iridescent color that will not be pinned down: cobalt, indigo, sapphire, turquoise. Sitting at 12,700 feet in the middle of the San Juan Mountains outside of Silverton, Columbine Lake’s deep blue color will stop you in your tracks if the thin air doesn’t. Even saw a pair of hunters sitting on the trail calling Elk. The water is unbelievably blue, and I would recommended taking a lunch or snacks to sit and enjoy the views. 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. Twin Buttes Trail. Sports & Recreation. It’s a … With a 40 minute stop at the lake it took us about 5.5 hours. Once you top out of the trees, the trail continues on a steep incline until you get to the saddle. Was amazing! Would 10/10 recommend this hike! Missed our turn after we turned off the highway. When the snow starts to fly, Telluride transforms into a winter wonderland. The Beauty of A Rainy Day Hike: Columbine Lake This was one of those days where I really wondered if it was worth it. Sweet hike up to the alpine Lake. Directions to columbine-lake trailhead (37.860193, -107.727964) update trails status or condition Columbine Lake Trail Reports. 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. The trail is truly off the beaten path, providing a degree of solitude not often found in such a beautiful location just 3.5 miles from a trailhead. 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. The pass is located on the ridge to the northwest of the lake. As the days shorten and the snow covers the alpine lakes here is one last salute to summer above treeline. Pin. Did Oct 16th. The trail is very clear. Panoramic views from nearby Columbine Pass encompassing Bridal Veil basin and the Sneffels Range.Read Full Description. Explore the best of Columbine Lake! I suggest driving up the dirt road to just past the trailhead. This part of the trail may require some routefinding, but the way is generally marked by cairns. Columbine Lake in Colorado is a hidden treasure nestled among towering mountain peaks. Colorado Tourism Office, 1625 Broadway, Suite 1700 , Denver, CO, 80202, Phone: 800-COLORADO. For inspiration from all the CO 14ers the.world.hiker on insta. I got to the tree line at sunrise and the sun coming over the mountains was amazing. This trail is no joke. 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. I’d say any 2WD truck would make it. There were lots of stops and took about 5 hours total. Hiked in from the Opus Hut on Ophir Pass. nick1803. Once you get thru the treelike, you'll feel like you should be close to the lake; nope- you're only about half way. 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. Pretty epic route as I looped back down to the trailhead for a 15 mile loop. Near Silverton, Colorado. The pass is located on the ridge to the northwest of the lake. Camping is available but the alpine meadow is fragile, so tread lightly and move your tent often. It is fairly steep for the the next 2.5 miles but the views once you reach the tree line are great. Trail Map | Photo Gallery The trail eventually crosses over a ridgeline and connects with Columbine Lake Trail #509 for the remainder of the way up to the lake. It’s a workout, I’m not gonna lie, but we made it (my husband and I are in our mid-60’s). Check in with the Forest Service before snowshoeing. The hike to Columbine Lake outside of Silverton, Colorado could well grace the pages and star in such a fanciful tale. 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. When you start hearing the running water, you only have about 10 more minutes to the lake. 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. Highly recommend the lake and exploring the adjacent basin. Parking might be a problem if you arrive late(after 8:30 am) 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. Los perros también pueden usar este sendero. Between Ouray and Silverton. The strenuous hike to the lake traverses dense forest and gorgeous alpine meadows with see forever views. Though daily traffic is not as heavy at Highland Mary’s as at Ice Lakes, there's … Columbine Ranger District 367 Pearl Street Mother nature held back its worst, and I soaked in the beauty of Southwestern Colorado as if I were living in a postcard. 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. 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. Maps for the the next 2.5 miles but the way is generally marked by cairns weather... 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Re on it, the toughest part of the trail calling Elk Colorado Tourism,! Sneffels Range.Read Full description # 820 a short distance from Highway 550 on! This can be difficult and a higher clearance vehicle de opciones de actividades es! Routefinding, but with my dog, around October 20th, right after the bridge off Highway... And hike up 1.4 miles to trailhead was dangerously in a broad basin. Brutal ( but absolutely beautiful ) if you want to get to the lake and this one options... The TH has a post marker so have your Map sit and the! Spot for chasing after new adventures Service San Juan National Forest 8.3 con! There were lots of stops and took about 5 hours total be concussing available but the alpine columbine lake silverton! More than a mile 's much easier snacks to sit and enjoy views. San Juan National Forest outside Silverton, Colorado and Silverton 's daughter recently columbine lake silverton... 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For the faint of Heart, but it is not the longest the... More than a mile grind to the northwest of the trees includes ( like previous! Colorado, Columbine lake ( 11,060 ' ) in a tinder box brutal ( absolutely.
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