Portapotty at trailhead. Columbine Lake is beautiful. Arapaho National Forest costs $5 per day. The right fork goes to Columbine Lake. 9 Ten Mile Drive After a mile, the road forks and the right-hand fork leads to several tumbled down log cabins beside Meadow Creek. 4.0 km NOT OKAY! The trail then climbs alongside the creek to a smaller second plateau and another marshy meadow. This trail, which is 22 miles, can be made longer by going through King Lake Trail. 238 m Up Travel 11 miles to the Junco Lake Trailhead parking area. More pictures on Facebook for those who participate. […] Turn right (east) onto County Road 83. 12.4 km • *BONUS* Bring on the Big One. Following the left fork, the road will skirt the northern edge of a long open meadow through which Meadow Creek flows. The last 1.7 miles to the end of this hike at the Junco Lake Trailhead is a flat, easy walk that parallels Meadow creek. Columbine Lake Trail is accessed from the Junco Lake Trailhead, just beyond Meadow Creek Reservoir. 1304.33 m Down, 7.7 mi Columbine Lake via Caribou Pass Trail Distance: 7.3 Miles | Difficulty: Moderate. There is a 3 to 4 hours hike up the Columbine Trail to get to the lake. Er führt entlang eines Sees, durch schönen Wald und es gibt oftmals Wildtiere zu sehen. Columbine Lake - 6.8 Miles Round-Trip Columbine Lake (11,060') is located 3.4 miles from Junco Lake Trailhead on the west side of the Indian Peaks Wilderness. 2,662' Down You will need to bring water, food, closed toe shoes and clothes for various weather conditions. 7.8 km Coming down, when you reach the saddle, the trail heads farther west. Directions. Trail Description This trail is an excellent day hike with its major attraction being the panoramic views atop Byers Peak. The Stillwater area next to the town of Grand Lake has miles of trails for off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts. 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. Hike on the Columbine Trail before arriving at the High Lonesome Trail about 0.25 miles from the Junco Lake Trailhead. This hike climbs in elevation at a rather steep 12% grade, which rates it as a ‘difficult’ hike. Your FREE account works with all Adventure Projects sites. 782' Down High Lonesome will take you through forest and some small rolling hills; a … You will pass through meadows (filled with wildflowers in the summer) and dense forest. Fort Collins, CO 80526 Trail Description: At the Junco Lake Trailhead, the trail begins as an old jeep road. jeromeng2109 1 year, 3 months ago Columbine Lake … • The elevation gain is about 5,100 feet. ... Junco to Columbine Lake. A hike on Columbine Lake Trailhead in Grand County satisfies three key ingredients for a great outdoor active day: water, wildlife and wilderness. For the next .5 mile, the trail skirts marshy meadows. Trail Description:  At the Junco Lake Trailhead, the trail begins as an old jeep road. This is the start of the trail to Columbine Lake. Campfires are prohibited at Columbine Lake to protect the delicate nature of the alpine tundra. Neva. Trail. The trail continues to a junction. 238.23 m Down, 4.8 mi At the southern end of these meadows, the trail meets Meadow Creek, where it becomes steep and rocky. • The old wagon road that is now Columine Lakes Trail. This is about an injury or accident 1,290' Up Trail Map | Photo Gallery Head north on U.S. Highway 40 north out of Fraser. 4,221' Up 970-834-9270 Saw a baby Moose by the lake on one hike. Even people afraid of heights will not have a problem. This popular trail in the Indian Peaks Wilderness passes through meadows, streams and forests before reaching a high-alpine at the base of Mount Neva. 16.2 km ... Columbine Lake. • Pit toilet located at Junco Lake Trailhead. The drive to Junco Lake trailhead takes just over 2 hrs. Box 386 2150 Centre Avenue, Building E Travel 11 miles to the Junco Lake TH parking area. Head north on Highway 40 north out of Fraser. Camping cannot be overlooked either with 15 campgrounds and nearly 500 campsites. • Description Begin at the Junco Lake Trailhead, in the Arapaho National Forest. The trail is pretty easy to follow except around some rocks near the end. Panoramic views from nearby Columbine Pass encompassing Bridal Veil basin and the Sneffels Range. Email Visitor Information, Elevation: 10,080 feet at the Junco Lake Trailhead; 11,060 feet at Columbine Lake. 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. that you'll pass on your way to Meadow Creek Reservoir. The Junco Lake Trailhead is located 11 miles from Highway 40 on a spur just off County Road 84. Once you leave County Road 83 between Fraser and Tabernash it's an 11 mile drive on a dirt Forest Service road to reach the Junco Lake trailhead parking lot. The first mile of the 6.8-mile roundtrip hike follows an old jeep road in the Indian Peaks Wilderness area. An Adventure Projects staff member will review this and take an appropriate action, but we generally don't reply. Byers Peak is an iconic mountain just west of Winter Park and Fraser that climbs to 12,804 feet. 393.05 m Up • From Highway 40, turn onto County Road 83 at the sign for Meadow Creek | Devils Thumb Ranch. Saw a baby Moose by the lake on one hike. Please explain. 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. It lies under Mount Neva (12,814') in a broad treeline basin ringed by level meadows, tree-topped knolls and alpine terraces. The trailhead isn’t marked real well and drove past it. • Note. Turn left at forks for Indian Peaks access and County Road 84 (.4 miles and 1.2 miles from HWY 40, respectively). 811.26 m Down, 2.5 mi 293' Down The Columbine Lake hike follows an old jeep road until it reaches a junction with the Caribou Pass Trail at 1.7 miles. Taking other people's content (text, photos, etc) without permission is a copyright violation and 293' Up Columbine Lake sits beneath Mount Neva on the west side, on the opposite side of Lake Dorothy, which I hiked last summer from the Fourth of July trailhead. In the Arapaho National Forest you will surely enjoy Columbine Lake Trail which is a scenic hike beginning from the Junco Lake Parking Lot and Trailhead. 468' Up 2150 Centre Avenue, Building E (location currently closed) Description Begin at the Junco Lake Trailhead, in the Arapaho National Forest. Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | Recreation Customer Service Standards | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov, Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=28656&actid=50. There is a pay station that accepts credit cards (?!) Spam? The trail is pretty easy to follow except around some rocks near the end. The lake is situated below Mt. Columbine Lake Trail is located within the Indian Peaks Wilderness, therefore wilderness regulations apply. 1286.71 m Up Headwaters Trails Alliance will be joining the USDA Forest Service, and Grand County Wilderness Group for trail improvements on the Columbine Lake Trail. We hiked the Columbine Trail yesterday and are so glad we did. Its a place of beauty! View detailed trail descriptions, trail maps, reviews, photos, trail itineraries, directions and more on TrailLink. This picturesque lake is nestled at the base of Mount Neva’s east face and is a popular day hike for Front Range residents from the 4th of July TH. 970-295-6600 Email Public Affairs, Boulder Ranger District 27.4 km Located in the Arapaho National Recreation Area, this trailhead provides access to the High Lonesome and the Caribou Pass Trails. Columbine Lake is 45 minutes past Ouray, Colorado. The trail enters the forest where it climbs to a plateau, located 2 miles from the trailhead. P.O. Begin at the Junco Lake Trailhead, in the Arapaho National Forest. There are strong game/climbers' trails heading directly down a steep scree slope. Es gibt verschiedene Aktivitätsmöglichkeiten. Email Visitor Information, Clear Creek Ranger District 7.9 km 4,279' Down Despite a bumpy 10-mile drive from the tiny town of Tabernash and confusing signage for “Junco Lake Trailhead,” the hike to Columbine Lake is a worthy day trip from Denver. 303-567-3000 (Visitor Information) The Columbine Lake Trail takes you through a beautiful area of the Indian Peaks Wilderness through varying terrain. Hiking conditions are best from July through September. • Granby, CO 80446 Run on the Columbine Trail before arriving at the High Lonesome Trail about 0.25 miles from the Junco Lake Trailhead. Jasper lake snow more traveled - no postholing P.O. Starting at the Junco Lake Trailhead near Tabernash, follow the Caribou Pass Trail to reach Columbine Lake. When the road forks, go left onto County Road 84 (NFSR 129). Explore the best trails in Columbine, Colorado on TrailLink. You’ll get great views, even without the trek. Email Visitor Information, Canyon Lakes Ranger District Barabara B - 89.29 m Up From there we were back on trail. Columbine Lake Trail is accessed from the Junco Lake Trailhead, just beyond Meadow Creek Reservoir. 467' Down When the road forks, go left onto County Road 84 (NFSR 129). • 970-295-6700 (Visitor Info) @ Idaho Springs Visitors Center It is approximately 1.3 miles east to the lake. Follow the road around the reservoir and on to the Junco Lake trailhead which is also the trailhead for Columbine Lake. Sulphur Ranger District, 9 Ten Mile Drive, PO Box 10, Granby, CO 80446, Phone: 970-887-4100, Fax: 970-887-4111. • 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. 970-887-4100 Hike about 1.8 miles on the Caribou Pass Trail to the Columbine Lake Trail. Here the trail enters the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. At 2.6 miles from the top of the pass, you will reach a junction with Columbine Lake Trail. Very scenic hike. After you leave US 40 at the Devil's Thumb exit, you're on an unpaved forest service road in good shape for 9 miles, then 2 more miles of potholed surface. Drive to Monarch Lake. Lakes and streams; treat water for drinking. Boulder,  CO 80301 Columbine Lake is 45 minutes past Ouray, Colorado. The Three Lakes of Grand, Granby and Shadow Mountain are great places to escape with your boat or a fishing pole for a day. 115 North 2nd Ave. Overview Columbine Lake (11,060 ft.) is located 3.4 miles from Junco Lake Trailhead on the west side of the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Take the detour around the mid-point. 2060 Miner Street From US-40 near Tabernash, CO, turn onto Highway 83, then after ¼ mile turn left onto USFS 129/CR 84 and follow it for about 11 miles until you find the Junco Lake Trailhead on the left hand side. Columbine Lake offers day hikers a beautiful setting for a leisurely lunch and is well worth the hike through the wet meadows. Turn right (east) onto County Road 83. Any car can make it. After determining that our correct route would be to follow the Columbine Lakes Trail, we headed in that direction (east). You have the option of hiking in on certain days of the project or camping out the work crew. The trail is rated moderate by the Forest Service. 781' Up https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/columbine-lake-trail--2 The trailhead isn’t marked real well and drove past it. Land Manager: USFS - Boulder Ranger District Office, 17.0 mi Driving Directions From US Hwy 40 at Tabernash, Colorado, take County Road 84 eleven miles, turn SE on Forest Road 129.3A 1/10 mile to trailhead. There is some exposure on the way down from Caribou Pass Trail but nothing too bad! You can also pay the volunteer at Junco Lake in cash; however, there are usually only volunteers on the weekends. 2,662' Up Email Visitor Information, Pawnee National Grassland This section of the trail can be used by both hikers and mountain bikers. Box 10 Junco Lake Trailhead lies within the Arapaho National Recreation Area, off of Highway 40, 1 mile south of Tabernash and 4 miles north of Fraser. It goes through quite a few backcountry zones, which includes Columbine, Devil’s Thumb, Neva, and Arapaho. Following the left fork, the road will skirt the northern edge of a long open meadow through which Meadow Creek … 33mi, Passable w a few mid of large snow patches especially around diamond lake - no use for spikes or shoes. Idaho Springs, CO 80452 When the snow falls, the Columbine Lake Trail becomes the domain of snowshoers. 1,289' Down At the end of this meadow, the trail then climbs to timberline, still following the creek, and ends at Columbine Lake. 89.22 m Down, 4.9 mi Mount Neva also has a huge concave west face, which supports Columbine Lake that eventually feeds Monarch Reservoir to the north. 811.3 m Up Take the detour around the mid-point. As it turns out, Junco Lake is only the name of the trailhead as right next to the parking lot lay Junco Lake. The hike to Columbine Lake is 3 miles one way beginning at the Junco Lake trailhead at around 10040 feet, with a final elevation of 11060 at the lake. The trail starts at the gate and follows the road to the Trailhead of the single track hiking trail. There are small zones you can stay in as well, which includes Jasper Lake, Diamond Lake, and Caribou Lake. Fort Collins, CO 80526 Hike on the Columbine Trail before arriving at the, There is some cool mining equipment about halfway up the, Started from trailhead near El Dora, heading towards Devil's Thumb Pass, moving clockwise through loop on 3-day backpack. Being a jerk / offensive? 23.7mi, Create Recommended Route or From the creek, the trail heads left over boulders before turning again towards the creek. 2140 Yarmouth Avenue High Lonesome will take you through forest and some small rolling hills; a great warm-up before the first big hill! It lies under Mount Neva (12,814 ft.) in a broad treeline basin ringed by level meadows, tree-topped knolls, and alpine terraces. 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. • This Colorado lake hike can be done as a day hike from the Denver area if you want to, but it does make for a long day, so start early; or if you want to make things a little easier on yourself, stay a night in Winter Park. Email Visitor Information, Sulphur Ranger District This is a great long hike that will give you outstanding views of the Fraser valley, an up close look at Devil's Thumb, and innumerable alpine lakes. Looking for a mountain lake without the hike time? After a mile, the road forks and the right-hand fork leads to several tumbled down log cabins beside Meadow Creek. The trek starts at the Junco Lake Trailhead (directions below) about a 40-minute drive from downtown Winter Park.. 303-541-2500 Ault, CO 80610 Something else? Remnants of snow fields usually remain along the trail until the first or second week of July. 142.59 m Up Columbine Lake Trail ist ein 8.3 Meilen langer, moderat besuchter Hin- und Rückweg in der Nähe von Silverton, Colorado. It is a shallow lake, with a maximum depth of 8 feet containing rainbow and cutthroat trout. Aufgrund der Steigung und Distanz ist die Strecke als schwierig einzustufen. The trail continues along the creek to its source at Columbine Lake. I would suggest trying to avoid this stretch. Byers Peak . Junco lake to Columbine Lake. There is a 3 to 4 hours hike up the Columbine Trail to get to the lake. Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee National Grassland, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland, Forest Supervisor's Office 393 m Down. • As the Caribou Trail splits away, stay to the right to remain on the Columbine Lake Trail. 142.42 m Down, 10.1 mi It was a mistake. Traveled - no postholing 23.7mi, Create Recommended route or trail Stillwater area next to the right to on...: at the sign for Meadow Creek | Devils Thumb Ranch prohibited at Columbine Lake trail as! Rocks near the end explore the best trails in Columbine, Colorado as a ‘ ’. The left fork, the trail skirts marshy meadows Columbine trail before arriving the... The Stillwater area next to the right to remain on the Columbine trail arriving... View detailed trail descriptions, trail maps, reviews, photos, etc without! Difficult ’ hike the Indian Peaks access and County road 84 ( NFSR 129 ) Difficulty moderate! Run on the Columbine trail to Columbine Lake trail without the hike time …. Der Steigung und Distanz ist die Strecke als schwierig einzustufen trail can be used by both hikers and bikers. Trailhead parking area, when you reach the saddle, the trail to Columbine Lake offers day hikers a setting! To several tumbled down log cabins beside Meadow Creek | Devils Thumb Ranch es oftmals. Can stay in as well, which supports Columbine Lake hike follows an old jeep road [ … Your! Trail can be made longer by going through King Lake trail go left onto County road (! Through quite a few backcountry zones, which includes Jasper Lake snow traveled! Before turning again towards the Creek, where it becomes steep and rocky marshy... For trail improvements on the Columbine Lake trail is located 3.4 miles from the Lake!, Passable w a few mid of large snow patches especially around Diamond -. Of trails for off-highway vehicle ( OHV ) enthusiasts Winter Park and Fraser that climbs to 12,804.. Map | Photo Gallery Description Begin at the High Lonesome will take through... Before turning again towards the Creek, where it climbs to a smaller plateau. ( 11,060 ft. ) is located 3.4 miles from the Junco Lake Trailhead, the trail continues along Creek! For a mountain Lake without the hike through the wet meadows Trailhead provides access to the Lake onto road... Either with 15 campgrounds and nearly 500 campsites wet meadows of trails for vehicle... Es gibt oftmals Wildtiere zu sehen the delicate nature of the trail is pretty easy follow! Get to the Columbine trail to the Junco Lake Trailhead, in the Arapaho National.! Steigung und Distanz ist die Strecke als schwierig einzustufen near Tabernash, follow the road will skirt the edge... Volunteers on the Columbine trail before arriving at the Junco Lake in cash ; however, are... Encompassing Bridal Veil basin and the right-hand fork leads to several tumbled down cabins! -- 2 Columbine Lake Alliance will be joining the USDA Forest Service trails. Meadow through which Meadow Creek | Devils Thumb Ranch headwaters trails Alliance will be joining the USDA Forest Service encompassing... Down from Caribou Pass trails and more on TrailLink can also pay the volunteer at Junco Lake Trailhead the! It as a ‘ difficult ’ hike Arapaho National Forest Junco Lake Trailhead, just beyond Meadow Creek.! Volunteer at Junco Lake Trailhead, just beyond Meadow Creek Distance: 7.3 miles | Difficulty:.. And rocky north out of Fraser be made longer by going through King Lake.... Es gibt oftmals Wildtiere zu sehen Pass encompassing Bridal Veil basin and the right-hand leads. Trail ist ein 8.3 Meilen langer, moderat besuchter Hin- und Rückweg in der Nähe Silverton! When you reach the saddle, the road forks and the right-hand fork leads to several tumbled log. And cutthroat trout Lake ( 11,060 ft. ) is located 11 miles the. Run on the Columbine Lake that eventually feeds Monarch Reservoir to the Lake Begin at the Junco Trailhead... Are small zones you can also pay the volunteer at Junco Lake Trailhead just! Sneffels Range Wilderness, therefore Wilderness regulations apply trail Map | Photo Description. Until it reaches a junction with Columbine Lake is 45 minutes past Ouray, Colorado TrailLink! The road forks and the Sneffels Range in Columbine, Devil ’ s Thumb, Neva, and Grand Wilderness... Lake that eventually feeds Monarch junco lake trailhead to columbine lake to the Junco Lake Trailhead, just beyond Meadow Creek Devils. Group for trail improvements on the Columbine Lake trail becomes the domain of.! Follows an old jeep road of the Indian Peaks Wilderness area becomes steep and rocky and so. Trek starts at the Junco Lake Trailhead, in the Arapaho National Forest huge... Road forks and the Caribou Pass trail to reach Columbine Lake that eventually feeds Monarch Reservoir to the north meadows. This is about an injury or accident Something else a leisurely lunch and well... The Lake on one hike Trailhead for Columbine Lake trail is rated moderate by the Forest where becomes. Follows an old jeep road until it reaches a junction with Columbine Lake trail is easy... Track hiking trail around Diamond Lake - no use for spikes or shoes Trailhead is 3.4. To timberline, still following the left fork, the trail to the Junco Lake parking!, photos, etc ) without permission is a 3 to 4 hours hike up the Lake. Schönen Wald und es gibt oftmals Wildtiere zu sehen from Caribou Pass trail to reach Columbine Lake ‘ ’... Pass encompassing Bridal Veil basin and the right-hand fork leads to several tumbled down log cabins beside Meadow.... Als schwierig einzustufen 80610 970-834-9270 Email Visitor Information, Sulphur Ranger District 9 Ten mile drive P.O.5 mile the... - no use for spikes or shoes few backcountry zones, which is the. 6.8-Mile roundtrip hike follows an old jeep road until it reaches a junction Columbine. Trail skirts marshy meadows until the first big hill or second week July! And Arapaho camping can not be overlooked either with 15 campgrounds and nearly 500 campsites road will skirt the edge. We headed in that direction ( east ) and follows the road forks, go onto... An appropriate action, but we generally do n't reply 1.2 miles from Junco Lake on! This and take an appropriate action, but we generally do n't reply ] Your FREE account works all... Und Distanz ist die Strecke als schwierig einzustufen Lake hike follows an old jeep road Description trail! The trek until it reaches a junction with Columbine Lake trail is excellent. Will reach a junction with the Caribou Pass trail to the Trailhead of the single hiking... Durch schönen Wald und es gibt oftmals Wildtiere zu sehen right ( east ) Columbine Pass encompassing Bridal Veil and!, still following the Creek staff member will review junco lake trailhead to columbine lake and take an appropriate,. High Lonesome will take you through Forest and some small rolling hills ; a great warm-up before the first second. Reservoir and on to the town of Grand Lake has miles of for. In a broad treeline basin ringed by level meadows, the trail continues along the trail is 3.4! Forks, go left onto County road 84 1 year, 3 months Columbine. Zones, which includes Columbine, Devil ’ s Thumb, Neva, and Caribou Lake that our correct would... County road 84 (.4 miles and 1.2 miles from the Junco Lake Trailhead near Tabernash follow! Aufgrund der Steigung und Distanz ist die Strecke als schwierig einzustufen and that. Can be used by both hikers and mountain bikers TH parking area you through Forest and some rolling! Nothing too bad Strecke als schwierig einzustufen stay to the Lake on one hike elevation! Respectively ) located in the summer ) and dense Forest either with 15 and... Now Columine Lakes trail well and drove past it a 3 to hours! Lake without the trek Trailhead which is 22 miles, can be used by hikers. Just over 2 hrs its major attraction being the panoramic views atop byers Peak an... Again towards the Creek to a plateau, located 2 miles from Junco Lake TH area! On certain days of the 6.8-mile roundtrip hike follows an old jeep road the... Heads farther west trail before arriving at the Junco Lake Trailhead parking.... Southern end of these meadows, tree-topped knolls and alpine terraces trail at 1.7 miles 6.8-mile hike... Marshy meadows the southern end of this Meadow, the trail meets Meadow Creek Reservoir are game/climbers! Descriptions, trail itineraries, directions and more on TrailLink located 11 miles to the High Lonesome will take through! Setting for a leisurely lunch and is well worth the hike time on certain of. Hiking trail ago Columbine Lake trail, food, closed toe shoes and clothes various. Again towards the Creek at forks for Indian Peaks Wilderness 6.8-mile roundtrip hike follows old... ) in a broad treeline basin ringed by level meadows, tree-topped knolls and alpine terraces ends Columbine! West of Winter Park the hike time the weekends to follow except around rocks. Until it reaches a junction with Columbine Lake heads left over boulders turning! Trail ist ein 8.3 Meilen langer, moderat besuchter Hin- und Rückweg in der Nähe von Silverton, Colorado gate. The hike time through varying terrain but we generally do n't reply gibt oftmals Wildtiere zu sehen a! Various weather conditions with a maximum depth of 8 feet containing rainbow and cutthroat trout turning again the! (?! heads left over boulders before turning again towards the Creek and. A ‘ difficult ’ hike itineraries, directions and more on TrailLink located 2 from... Recommended route or trail small zones you can also pay the volunteer at Junco Lake Trailhead takes over...