Required fields are marked *. This forested trail through the James Peak Wilderness leads to a pair of sparkling, trout-filled lakes nestled beneath the Continental Divide. At 1.4 miles, the trail crosses Crater Creek on a bridge, before continuing its climb up the valley. Still seemed very private, with lots of space for everyone and we found ourselves dreaming of camping here sometime after exploring around the lake. Into the Aspens, across a few footbridges, passing a few old structures, across a meadow, and then deep into the pine trees on a fairly flat path for 2 miles, until we reach the split to Crater Lakes Trail. (Staying on the South Boulder Creek Trail will bring you all the way up to another worthy, but better-for-summer destination: Heart Lake, which sits above 11,000 feet.) amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; Follow Crater Lakes Trail as it climbs steeply for a mile and crosses the narrow spit of land between the two main lakes. Smaller and more narrow, wrapped in steep walls on one side leaving the water looking turquoise and beautiful. Weather. LOCATED: From Blackhawk/Central City head north on Colorado State Hwy 119 to Rollinsville. Ascending consistently now through dense pines all the way up for a mile or so. MODERATE 3.7 mi. At 2 miles the trail climbs by a smooth granite slab for a short section and from the top has a down-valley view all the way to the Methow River. Smoke from forest fires in northern CO has left a haze in the air leaving us feeling grateful just to be here. 5203 Buena Vista Drive
Further from South Boulder Creek now, the air grows quiet, save for the babbling of snowmelt in the seasonal drainages. I saw the trail from the 2 lakes but we did not go up there. A trail you want to be prepared for with appropriate hiking gear. The Crater Lakes Trail turns right (north) off the South Boulder Creek Trail at the junction sign. It is an intermediate hike with beautiful views containing a few steep, rocky trail sections, rising to an elevation of 10,600â in the James Lost Creek Campground has 16 sites for tents only. There is often a cairn marking the junction. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from June until October. We found the trailhead to the right of the Moffat Tunnel, and headed up the South Boulder Creek trail. amzn_assoc_title = "My hiking gear I use and love..."; Crater Lake has a bit of all the features of a great hike, evergreen trees, enjoyable hiking along south Boulder Creek, a short steep section to reward all hikers, spectacular sub-alpine lakes, and a dynamic alpine valley. amzn_assoc_title = "Items I never leave without in my backpack ..."; 575-682-2551, Guadalupe District
James Peak via Kingston Peak Spur and St Mary's Glacier Trail. Pancake Rocks Trail, Nothing Else Like It. Alamogordo, NM 88310
6. You can camp further up the trail but you soon break treeline and with the frequent afternoon storms it is ⦠The Crater Lakes Trail intersects with the trail at about two miles in, but you will stay on your path following the South Boulder Creek for about 2.5 miles where it reaches a small pond and the Rogers Pass Lake. amzn_assoc_asins = "B01HGSLB6K,B00FA2RLX2,B07CR7PL54,B01LZN0KGB"; Completely different on Crater Lakes Trail. Because it is still an active rail line, the maintenance road to the area is kept open year round; as a side-effect of this fact, it also serves as a hub to excellent outdoors recreation. Although Crater Lake is only ~8 miles back into the Indian Peaks Wilderness, this trail feels remote and you'll enjoy a quiet outing with a few other trail users. Trail Description: From East Portal Trailhead, follow South Boulder Creek Trail into the James Peak Wilderness for 2.2 miles to its junction with Crater Lakes Trail at the junction sign. 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/wps/portal/fsinternet/cs/recarea?ss=110308&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=FSE_003738&navid=110240000000000&pnavid=110000000000000&position=generalinfo&recid=28242&ttype=recarea&pname=Crater%20Lakes%20Trail, Hiking conditions are best from July through OCtober. Early on, youâll see the Moffat Tunnel and an abandoned-looking house. Overview This is a moderate out and back trail to Lower Crater Lake South in Roosevelt National Forest. Hoosier Pass Hikes has Mind Boggling Views! Ruidoso, NM 88345
This is where we leave the South Boulder Creek Trail and head right on the Crater Lakes Trail (No. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Several trails lead off this one so don’t be worried when you see how crowded the parking lot is like we did! Be prepared. DIFFICULT 10.0 mi. Continuing southwest on the South Boulder Creek Trail, the grade grows steeper. To access Crater Lakes you start on the South Boulder Creek Trailhead until the split for Crater Lakes Trail. The first 2 miles of this trail climbs very gradually and only contains about 1/2 mile of ⦠The road is dirt but well maintained. Last 0.75 mile is mostly level ⦠After about two miles of hiking through aspen groves and pine forests, you will come to the Crater Lakes Trail junction. North Crater Lake, a highlight of the James Peak Wilderness near Rollinsville Credit: Terri Cook Adventure Hike We Like: Crater Lakes. Mammoth Gulch Trailhead â James Peak and Little Echo Lake. Rocks and boulders line the trail and in some spots, it took a moment to figure out where the trail is. To access Crater Lakes you start on the South Boulder Creek Trailhead until the split for Crater Lakes Trail. 575-885-4181, Length: East Portal Trailhead (TH) to: Lower Crater Lake - 3 miles; Rogers Pass - 4.6 miles. South Boulder Creek Trailhead â Crater Lakes, Clayton, Iceberg, Rogerâs Pass, Heart. August 2014. DISTANCES ARE ONE-WAY. In July, August, and September, all sites can be reserved in advance. They are open only in the summer. Featured Routes. Supervisor's Office
Crater Lake is a 5.5 mile hike in James Peak Wilderness. Gorgeous views and lots of summer wildflowers! At mile 1.2, stay straight (on Trail No. View 7 Day Forecast on weather.gov. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "colorado1216-20"; From the 9,320 ft. Moffat Tunnel trailhead (also known as the East Portal Trailhead), there is access to backcountry skiing, ice climbing, snowmobiling and of cou⦠South Boulder Creek Trail City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks Date Hiked: February 2, 2014 Distance: 3 mi (RT) Elevation Gain: 200ft Elevation Max/Min: 5,447 to 5,650ft S.Boulder Creek West Trailhead Trail Map (OSMP) S. Boulder Creek Trail Map (Google Maps) Directions: From Boulder travel south on Hwy 93. From Netherland go south on 119 and turn right. Carlsbad, NM 88220
The Crater Lakes Trail #819, forks to the north after another 0.75 miles after the first switchback. Very steep and loose gravel until it levels off a bit, stay to the right and you’ll find another lake and a waterfall on the eastern edge. Crater Lakes is in the heart of the James Peaks Wilderness and the perfect day hike or backpacking weekend. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; 7. James Peak via Kingston Peak Spur. The Twin Crater Lakes trail steeply gains altitude for about .5 mi before entering a wonderful meadow with a creek running through it. I wish I’d known this before! amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; The trail takes a sharp turn to the east. The Forest Lakes Trail #809 forks to the north in the second open meadow where you will see a trail junction sign. Beautiful hiking up Crater Lakes Trail, with views appearing of the Continental Divide ahead and soon finding we are here, a lake on each side of us. The trail starts on South Boulder Creek Trail, Silver Lake Trail to Murray Lake – Guanella Pass. Hikers are heading in many directions once higher up. Itinerary: Plan on hiking about 6 miles and 1390â of elevation gain at altitudes from 9,200â â 10,630â. By Terri Cook ⢠June 26, 2018. The first 1.5 miles of the hike are on the South Boulder Creek Trail, which makes its way all the way across the James Peak Wilderness. Now the climb begins! Please dress appropriately as it will probably be windy at the lakes. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Like. The hike begins at the East Portal Trailhead. Your email address will not be published. SOUTH BOULDER CREEK TRAILHEAD. In this first 1.5 miles until the junction with the Crater Lakes Trail, the trail is slightly uphill, but itâs nothing too steep. email us, Smokey Bear District
Follow signs right (north) of Moffat Tunnel to the South Boulder Creek Trail. This makes for a great campsite area. Upper Forest Lake, a 10 minutes hike from the trailhead. It is possible we will be breaking trail. Crater Lakes Trail From East Portal Trailhead, follow South Boulder Creek Trail into the James Peak Wilderness for 2.2 miles to its junction with Crater Lakes Trail at the junction sign. The Crater Lakes Trail turns right (north) off the South Boulder Creek Trail #900, about 3/4 mile beyond the meadow at the Forest Lakes Trail #809 junction. 2. Found this description later. The trail starts off gentle and weaves through aspen groves and pine forest. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The trail leaves the creek for a time then returns, climbs, and crosses the South Boulder Creek at several points ⦠amzn_assoc_linkid = "beb29644b6168da48a59d9ea4e4ebeb4"; The trail climbs more steeply from here, until it flattens out shortly before reaching the ⦠DIFFICULT 8.1 mi. The hike begins at the East Portal Trailhead outside Rollinsville. amzn_assoc_linkid = "beb29644b6168da48a59d9ea4e4ebeb4"; Get Here. Cloudcroft, NM 88317
Again, continue straight on the South Boulder Creek Trail. 4. 3. MODERATE 5.5 mi. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; Lower Crater Lakes via South Boulder Creek Trail is a 5.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Rollinsville, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Once here we ended up at the lake on the left to eat, sit, relax, and simply take it all in. The trail leaves the creek for a time then returns, climbs, and crosses the South Boulder Creek at several points before leveling off near Rogers Pass Lake. Bigger than I imagined and loads of people fishing. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B01IQI7HL2,B00H58EGD2,B01GGOLV24,B077TY1J3V"; Your email address will not be published. The trail follows Buchanan and Cascade Creeks much of the way and has vantage points that overlook multiple waterfalls. 819). Crater Creek Trail is popular for hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bike trail users. Crater Lakes Trail . 575-434-7200
Several trails stem from this trailhead, so be sure to take the South Boulder Creek Trail. 4 Lost Lodge Rd
As the climb continues, the forest starts to change, adding whitebark pine to the mix of spruce & fir. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Crater Lakes Trail via South Boulder Creek Trail is a 8.3 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Black Hawk, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Again, continue straight on the South Boulder Creek Trail. Continue straight through this clearing and after about a half mile you reach the junction with the Crater Lakes Trail. In June, all sites are first-come, first-served. Highly recommend this hike for an exceptional day hike or backpacking trip. DIFFICULT 8.6 mi. Crater Lakes is a scenic 6.1 mile out-and-back hike that ascends 1,400â to two beautiful alpine lakes nestled in a forest glade below the Continental Divide. Moffat Tunnel has helped trains burrow through the Rocky Mountains for almost 100 years now. Turn left on East Portal Road. They offer excellent fishing and diverse backcountry camping experiences apart from the crowds. The steep last mile will test you and you’ll see you can do it and want to do more! James Peak Wilderness restrictions apply: Lakes and streams; treat water for drinking. Rogers Pass and Heart Lakes via South Boulder Creek Trail is a difficult 9.1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located in the James Peak Wilderness near Rollinsville, Colorado that features two lakes. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Trail on South Boulder Creek, Moffat Tunnel, and Crater Lakes in Roosevelt National Forest, James Peak Wilderness. The trail rose above the tunnel, and before long we were happy to find ourselves amidst patches of aspen, evergreen, and bright green alpine meadows. North Ten Mile Creek Trail, an Alpine Jewel! After marveling at the history this trailhead provides, continue through the forest, following along South Boulder Creek, gaining little elevation until the cut off to Crater Lakes. Let's watch carefully at mile 1.2, for the Crater Lakes Trail Junction at mile 1.8. Trail Map | Photo Gallery Hikers are heading in many directions once higher up. The trail stays close to the creek as it climbs up through a series of Ice Age basins to Crater Lake, surrounded by subalpine forest and wet meadows. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, fishing, and backpacking and is best used from June until October. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "colorado1216-20"; Follow the trail to Crater Lakes as it bends north for a moment and then winds steeply west and switchbacks upward through thick forest. by crazyaboutcolorado | Nov 13, 2020 | HIKE | 0 comments. This trail goes by Lower Crater Lake North. Nestled just below the Continental Divide, the setting is unbeatable. This is where we leave the South Boulder Creek Trail ⦠This will be my first snowshoe this year so speed will probably be slow to moderate. Another 3/4 of a mile down the trail is the Crater Lakes Trail, turn right and start heading uphill on a trail that get's a bit steeper than than the easy starter trail. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Lower Crater Lake South via Rogers Pass Trail and Crater Lakes Trail. Wasatch Trail to Nellie Mine, Exhilarating! Please check out “What’s in Your Day Pack” for a list of items to consider anytime hiking. Mazama Campground has 214 sites for tents and RVs. The Crater Lakes Trail turns right (north) off the South Boulder Creek Trail at the junction sign. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; It rises past the tunnel through intervals of aspen, spruce and meadow to the Arapaho Lakes - Forest Lakes split (1.25 miles : 9,545') and Crater Lakes split (1.85 miles : 9,925'). 3463 Las Palomas
Follow for approx 11 miles to the end of the road at Moffat Tunnel and the Trailhead. 901 Mechem Dr.
Elevation: 9,211 feet at East Portal TH; 10,600 feet at the main Crater Lakes; 11,060 feet at Rogers Pass Lake; 11,900 feet at Rogers Pass. National Weather Service Forecast. Right away, the elevation picks up in the hills below the Crater Lakes basin. Rollins Pass Road â Jenny, Yankee Doodle, Arapahoe, Forest Lakes. 5. Beginner hiker, wanting to step it up. The Crater Lakes are a cluster of 5 lakes spread about a rugged valley that forms a major tributary to South Boulder Creek. At just about the 1 mile mark you'll pass the Forest Lakes Trail, stay straight. Located at Moffat Tunnel East Portal. Social trails everywhere wrapping around each lake. Head North Several trails lead off this one so donât be worried when you see how crowded the parking lot is like we did! ... Forest Lakes. In the middle of the 2 lakes, there is a trail heading straight up the slope. A highly trafficked out and back trail to the Crater Lakes and the alpine lake above them. The two lakes are extremely picturesque with easily traversable flat terrain around them. Start hiking along the South Boulder trail to the right (north) of the very obvious Moffat Rail tunnel. Heart Lake via South Boulder Creek. 900) at the Forest Lakes Trail Junction and reach the Crater Lakes Trail Junction at mile 1.8. The park has two developed campgrounds, Mazama Campground and Lost Creek Campground. Length: 6 miles round-trip Continue on the South Boulder Creek Trail through the forest to where it goes west and uphill to Heart Lake. Rifle Falls State Park is Caves, Caverns & Waterfalls. Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no added cost to you). Note: it’s not well maintained. 575-257-4095, Sacramento District
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; There are some beautiful wildflowers and grasses here in all dif-fur-ent colors and varieties. This trail might just be for you. The trail may be lost in the snow here, so take a ⦠Crater Lakes via Moffat Tunnel East Portal Featured Route 5.9mi Roosevelt NF. The trail climbs steeply about a mile to the two main Crater Lakes. Located at Moffat Tunnel East Portal. Follow Crater Lakes Trail as it climbs steeply for a mile and crosses the narrow spit of land between the two main lakes.
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