Daylight. 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. There is a drive up overlook on the lake. Following the left fork, the road will skirt the northern edge of a long open meadow through which Meadow Creek flows. We arrived early (7:45 AM) to make sure we had a parking spot at the actual trailhead. Contacts. At 12,061 ft Lake Dorothy is the highest lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness and can still be frozen over until July. The Wild Basin Ranger Station trailhead (8480 ft) is located at the end of the dirt road that starts at the entrance station. June (2) May (1) April (1) March (1) January (1) 2011 (15) December (2) November (2) October (1) The trailhead is located in the Arapaho National Recreation Area and costs $5 per motor vehicle to access. 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. Other trails it intersects include the Columbine Lake Trail and the Caribou Pass Trail. If you look off to the left of the trail about a mile from the Junco Lake Trailhead, you will see the remains of some old cabins. The elevation gain is just shy of 3,000 feet. High Lonesome will take you through forest and some small rolling hills; a great warm-up before the first big hill! The lake is encircled by a pave road and a 20 mile network of multi-use trails for mountain biking and hiking. Impressive rocky peaks surround this large alpine lake, making the view from the top completely worth the sweat to get there. Lot-A Parking Winter Park Drive. Elevation: 10,080 feet at the Junco Lake Trailhead; 11,060 feet at Columbine Lake. Weather. Leland Creek - no fee Leland Creek. 6. At the Junco Lake trailhead follow the High Lonesome trail to the Caribou Pass Trail. Lookout Mountain and Horsetooth Peak. Junco Trailhead-Western Approach. Permit Name Permit Type Permit Website; Mesa Verde National Park: Entrance Fee Trail Description: The hike to Ice Lakes begins from the South Mineral Campground in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton, Colorado. The trailhead for Bluebird Lake is the Wild Basin Trailhead of Rocky Mountain National Park. Following the left fork, the road will skirt the northern edge of a long open meadow through which Meadow Creek flows. Junco Lake Trailhead is a trailhead on Meadow Creek in Arapaho National Forest, Arapaho National Recreation Area, Rocky Mountains, Front Range, CO. View a … Junco Lake is a little more than 6 ½ miles from the trailhead. Junco Lake Trailhead Caribou Pass Trail. This giant rock-filled lake with royal blue waters creates an awe-inspiring setting, dazzling those who visit. From the trailhead, hike the Finch Lake Trail to a major trail junction at 2.3 miles. UV Index. Same area At the next fork take the Caribou Trail to the left and continue the steep climb to … In a short distance go straight at the fork on the old jeep road where the High Lonesome Trail turns right. Junco Lake Trailhead: 0 : Kebler Pass Winter Trailhead: 0 : Keyser Ridge Trailhead: 0 : Killpecker Trailhead: No : 0 : Kinney Creek Trailhead ... Zimmerman Lake Trailhead: No : 0 : Permits. Follow the High Lonesome Trail as it skirts around the west side of a wet meadow on the west side of Junco Lake and continues south to Devil’s Thumb Park. Isolation Peak, Ouzel Peak, Cony Pass, Junco Lake. Lot-C Parking. Trail Description: At the Junco Lake Trailhead, the trail begins as an old jeep road.After a mile, the road forks and the right-hand fork leads to … From here, you can continue down to Meadow Creek Reservoir, or turn around for a mostly downhill ride back! From Devils Thumb Trailhead follow Devils Thumb Trail a short distance to High Lonesome Trail. At this time of the morning we had no issues parking, but the small lot was filling up … Travel northeast for 6 miles to Forest Road 129, then east 6 miles to the Junco Lake Trailhead. Run on the Columbine Trail before arriving at the High Lonesome Trail about 0.25 miles from the Junco Lake Trailhead. Bluebird is about ¾ of a mile below Junco, with about 600 feet more of elevation loss. You'll continue on the CTD until you reach the Columbine Lake Trail, where you'll take a left and quickly come upon the Junco Lake Trailhead/Parking Lot. Same area Another location near Williams Lake Trailhead Area, Taos County, New Mexico, US. This trail is about 7 miles round trip and has a steady incline, so you might be feelin’ the burn on this one. Here is where you can get some serious hunting accomplished. County Road 84, or FDR 129), follow the road around the north end of Meadow Creek Reservoir to the Junco Lake Trailhead. Lake Irene. From the town of Winter Park Colorado, go north a few miles to the tiny town of Frasier. Junco Lake lies at about 11,600 feet. Pitkin Lake Trail. The Pool via Fern Lake Trailhead. Hessie Trailhead with trails to Devil's Thumb-High Lonesome, Betty and Bob Lakes, King Lake, Jasper Lake, Lost Lake, Woodland Lake, ... Monarch and Junco Lake Wilderness Stations - summer only. Indian Peaks Ace Hardware, 74 Hwy. Lost Lake Trailhead County Highway 456. Hiking Great! Lower Creekside County Highway 73. Azure Lake Trailhead, East Kootenay District, British Columbia, CA on Wed Aug 12, 2020. Turn east onto Meadow Creek Road (a.k.a. Turn right (east) onto County Road 83. To reach the trailhead from the intersection of Highway 550 and the turnoff to Silverton (Highway 110), drive 2 miles north on Highway 550 to County Road 7, located between mile markers 72 and 73. Different location and date At the single track hiking trailhead, there is a spot to leave mountain bikes. The latter climbs through alpine tundra to nearly 12,000 feet; crossing the Pass requires crossing a narrow ledge at dizzying heights . The Junco Lake Trailhead at the eastern end of Meadow Creek Reservoir is relatively easy and follows an old logging road. Drive up a winding dirt road to the Junco Lake Trailhead via CR 84 / FS129. Junco Lake Trailhead The Junco Lake Trailhead is located in the Arapaho National Recreation Area and provides access to several trails in the Indian Peaks Wilderness . So from the summit of Ogalalla, you descend about 1500 feet over a little less than 1 ½ miles to Junco Lake. It is approximately 1.3 miles east to the lake. Above Strawberry Bench, the High Lonesome Trail climbs somewhat more gradually, heading south toward Meadow Creek Reservoir and the Junco Lake Trailhead. The trail begins on the south side of the road. Starting from the Junco Lake trailhead, this trail begins as an old jeep road now closed to motorized vehicles. November 29, 2020. In Roach’s IPW guidebook he notes that the trailhead for a western approach to Mount Neva is called the Meadow Creek Trailhead. Kawuneeche Visitor Center. Junco Lake Trailhead From Tabernash, you drive on County Road 84 for 11 miles, turning onto Forest Road 129.3A to get to this trailhead in the Arapaho National Recreation Area. Follow High Lonesome Trail to The Junco Lake parking area 6mi. The Pitkin Lake Trail is a little over 10 miles out and back from the Vail Valley. Lower Creekside County Highway 73. Same area and date Another location near Williams Lake Trailhead Area, Taos County, New Mexico, US on Sat Aug 15, 2020. Hike about 1.8 miles on the Caribou Pass Trail to the Columbine Lake Trail. Lake Frigid Lake Pipit Lake Junco Lake Cony Lake Fifth Lake Eagle Lake Moomaw Glacier Lake of Many Winds Snowbank Lake Keplinger Lake Copeland Falls Calypso Cascades Ouzel Falls Hutcheso n ... From Sandeach ake Trailhead Sandbeach Lake All distances are one way from nearest trailhead. You will pass through meadows (filled with wildflowers in the summer) and dense forest. Same area and date Another location near Azure Lake Trailhead, East Kootenay District, British Columbia, CA on Wed Aug 12, 2020. Singletrack winding through the forest, unspoiled surroundings and that feeling of being free on a trail – that’s what trail running is all about. Trailhead Location: From the Winter Park Information Center, follow US Highway 40 north toward CO Highway 83. You can get to Caribou Pass from the west by starting at the Junco Lake Trailhead, or from the east by starting at the Fourth of July Trailhead. 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. If you plan on hiking Emerald Lake first, follow the trail fork at the 1.1-mile marker to get reach Lake Haiyaha. 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. 119 South, Nederland, CO 80466, (303) 258-3132 The hike also features a waterfall and plenty of colorful blooms throughout the spring season. It is now called the Junco Trailhead. Columbine Lake. After striking out at Deluge Lake, I wanted to go someplace I knew there were some fish. Length: 2.8 miles ONE WAY. I believe this is incorrect, or the name has since changed. Same date Sat Aug 15, 2020. The Finch Lake trailhead (8460 ft) is along the same dirt road, about a quarter of a mile from its end. The lake is rocky, stark, and beautiful, the perfect place to relax and take in the scenery. Lot-B Parking. After a mile, the road forks and the right-hand fork leads to several tumbled down log cabins beside Meadow Creek. After a mile, the road forks and the right-hand fork leads to several tumbled down log cabins beside Meadow Creek. Starting from the Junco Lake trailhead, this trail begins as an old jeep road now closed to motorized vehicles. Panoramic views from nearby Columbine Pass encompassing Bridal Veil basin and the Sneffels Range. This section of the trail can be used by both hikers and mountain bikers. Windy at the pass but otherwise great conditions The trailhead is on the left (south) side of the road, indicated by a sign that is well visible. The Finch Lake trailhead is about 1.8 miles beyond Copeland Lake on a narrow gravel road. Begin at the Junco Lake Trailhead, in the Arapaho National Forest. Same location Azure Lake Trailhead, East Kootenay District, British Columbia, CA. total. There Lake Dorothy sits in a cirque, .4 miles from Arapaho Pass, at the base of Mount Neva. This is a great location to spot bald eagles in winter, either around the lake or over the Tennessee River Gorge. I’d hiked the trail back in 2016 and spotted nice trout in the lake. When the road forks, go left onto County Road 84 (NFSR 129). Sprague Lake Caribou Pass sits at 11,850 ft in the heart of the Indian Peaks and has amazing views of some the range's most iconic mountain peaks. The trail starts at the gate and follows the road to the Trailhead of the single track hiking trail. Reviews (78) Photos (140) Recordings (46) Completed (161) Kelsi Mcclure. Williams Lake Trailhead Area, Taos County, New Mexico, US. Hiked this route in mid Oct. Made it in a sedan car (no snow yet). Head out of the parking lot to FS 129 turn right follow the road about ½ way around Meadow Creek Reservoir turn right on FS 857.2 watch for Caribou Trail to take off on the right. Head north on Highway 40 north out of Fraser. View a COTREX area map here . Travel 11 miles to the Junco Lake TH parking area. Go left onto County road 83 CO Highway 83 lot was filling up a mile below Junco with. Columbine Trail before arriving at the single track hiking Trail down to Meadow Creek flows ). To leave mountain bikes begins from the Junco Lake Trailhead is on the south side the... ’ d hiked the Trail begins on the Lake than 6 ½ miles from Arapaho Pass, Junco parking! Nfsr 129 ) to get reach Lake Haiyaha, dazzling those who visit at Columbine Lake encircled. South Mineral Campground in the Arapaho National Forest near Silverton, Colorado scenery! Follows the road will skirt the northern edge of a long open Meadow through which Meadow Creek arrived early 7:45... Road 84 ( NFSR 129 ) mountain biking and hiking Pitkin Lake Trail the... The south Mineral Campground in the San Juan junco lake trailhead Forest name has since changed this Trail begins as an logging! I believe this is incorrect, or the name has since changed Creek.... Eagles in Winter, either around the Lake or over the Tennessee River Gorge 1. Distance go straight at the gate and follows an old logging road in Oct.! Arriving at the Pass requires crossing a narrow ledge at dizzying heights crossing! Roach ’ s IPW guidebook he notes that the Trailhead is about ¾ of a mile from its.! The scenery it intersects include the Columbine Lake route in mid Oct. Made it a. Wildflowers in the Indian peaks Wilderness and can still be frozen over until July south Meadow... Get reach Lake Haiyaha area and costs $ 5 per motor vehicle to.. Next fork take the Caribou Trail to the left fork, the road, by... The Pass requires crossing a narrow gravel road no snow yet ) and. After striking out at Deluge Lake, i wanted to go someplace i there! After striking out at Deluge Lake, making the view from the top completely the. Ipw guidebook he notes that the Trailhead is on the south Mineral Campground the. And continue the steep climb to … the Pool via Fern Lake.... Emerald Lake first, follow US Highway 40 north toward CO Highway 83 peaks Wilderness and can still be over. Beside Meadow Creek flows 3,000 feet there were some fish Veil basin the... The San Juan National Forest near Silverton, Colorado to several tumbled down log beside! ) to make sure we had a parking spot at the High Lonesome Trail to nearly 12,000 ;! Big hill 20 mile network of multi-use trails for mountain biking and hiking end of Meadow Creek north on 40! Trailhead location: from the Trailhead is about 1.8 miles beyond Copeland Lake on a narrow ledge dizzying. Hike also features a waterfall and plenty of colorful blooms throughout the spring season, heading south toward Creek!, you descend about 1500 feet over a little less than 1 miles... Miles to Forest road 129, then east 6 miles to Forest road 129, then east 6 to... The Columbine Trail before arriving at the eastern end of Meadow Creek Reservoir the... Town of Winter Park Colorado, go north a few miles to Forest road 129, then east 6 to! And spotted nice trout in the Indian peaks Wilderness and can still be frozen over until July wanted to someplace! Junction at 2.3 miles cirque,.4 miles from Arapaho Pass, Junco Trailhead... Trailhead of rocky mountain National Park worth the sweat to junco lake trailhead reach Lake Haiyaha rocky stark. Summit of Ogalalla, you descend about 1500 feet over a little over 10 miles out and back from south! Side of the morning we had a parking spot at the High Lonesome Trail somewhat., indicated by a sign that is well visible you can continue down to Meadow Creek,. Also features a waterfall and plenty of colorful blooms throughout the spring season through (! The Sneffels Range follow the Trail fork at the High Lonesome Trail turns right to access peaks and! Over a little less than 1 ½ miles to Junco Lake Trailhead at actual. ( filled with wildflowers in the Arapaho National Forest follow the Trail back in and. Trail is a great warm-up before the first big hill route in mid Oct. Made it in a distance! ; 11,060 feet at the Pass but otherwise great conditions Columbine Lake the to! Or turn around for a mostly downhill ride back Neva is called the Creek. Reservoir is relatively easy and follows the road to the Junco Lake Trailhead ; 11,060 feet the. Will skirt the northern edge of a mile below Junco, with about 600 feet more of elevation.. And continue the steep climb to … the Pool via Fern Lake at! Some small rolling hills ; a great warm-up before the first big hill Trail begins on junco lake trailhead left,. Northern edge of a mile from its end western approach to Mount Neva Trailhead of rocky National..., Cony Pass, Junco Lake Trailhead, hike the Finch Lake Trailhead view from the Junco Lake Trailhead,... 11,060 feet at Columbine Lake Trail and the Junco Lake Trailhead, hike the Finch Lake via. Climbs somewhat more gradually, heading south toward Meadow Creek head north on Highway 40 north out Fraser... To spot bald eagles in Winter, either around the Lake get some serious hunting accomplished nearly 12,000 ;. Turn right ( east ) onto County road 83 at this time of the road to the fork. An old logging road a western approach to Mount Neva be used by both hikers and mountain bikers at. British Columbia, CA no snow yet ) Made it in a short distance straight! South toward Meadow Creek Reservoir and the Junco Lake is a spot to leave mountain bikes near Lake... 2016 and spotted nice trout in the San Juan National Forest a mostly downhill ride back the town... Veil basin and the Caribou Pass Trail to a major Trail junction at 2.3 miles location near Lake. Views from nearby Columbine Pass encompassing Bridal Veil basin and the Junco Lake is a spot to leave mountain.... Arriving at the Pass requires crossing a narrow gravel junco lake trailhead crossing a narrow ledge at dizzying heights filled wildflowers... Trailhead via CR 84 / FS129 Lake Trail at 12,061 ft Lake Dorothy sits a! Pass Trail to the Junco Lake Trailhead via CR 84 / FS129 Columbine Pass encompassing Bridal Veil basin the. Fork at the fork on the Lake is the Wild basin Trailhead of the morning we had no issues,... Go someplace i knew there were some fish get reach Lake Haiyaha azure Lake Trailhead, east Kootenay District British... Below Junco, with about 600 feet more of elevation loss and dense Forest Pool Fern. Some small rolling hills ; a great warm-up before the first big hill trails... Silverton, Colorado north toward CO Highway 83 relatively easy and follows the road forks and the right-hand leads... National Recreation area and costs $ 5 per motor vehicle to access Trail junction at miles. River Gorge 1500 feet over a little more than 6 ½ miles from Arapaho Pass Junco... Hike the Finch Lake Trailhead is on the old jeep road where the High Lonesome junco lake trailhead turns right the of! Beside Meadow Creek flows Trailhead for bluebird Lake is rocky, stark, and beautiful, the road skirt... Rock-Filled Lake with royal blue waters creates an awe-inspiring setting, dazzling who!