4. Several trails stem from this trailhead, so be sure to take the South Boulder Creek Trail. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; 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. 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. They are open only in the summer. This will be my first snowshoe this year so speed will probably be slow to moderate. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "colorado1216-20"; 575-434-7200
The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from June until October. 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. 7. Lower Crater Lake South via Rogers Pass Trail and Crater Lakes Trail. SOUTH BOULDER CREEK TRAILHEAD. By Terri Cook ⢠June 26, 2018. Early on, youâll see the Moffat Tunnel and an abandoned-looking house. The Twin Crater Lakes trail steeply gains altitude for about .5 mi before entering a wonderful meadow with a creek running through it. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; You can camp further up the trail but you soon break treeline and with the frequent afternoon storms it is ⦠Right away, the elevation picks up in the hills below the Crater Lakes basin. The trail follows Buchanan and Cascade Creeks much of the way and has vantage points that overlook multiple waterfalls. View 7 Day Forecast on weather.gov. Several trails lead off this one so donât be worried when you see how crowded the parking lot is like we did! A highly trafficked out and back trail to the Crater Lakes and the alpine lake above them. Itinerary: Plan on hiking about 6 miles and 1390â of elevation gain at altitudes from 9,200â â 10,630â. The trail climbs steeply about a mile to the two main Crater Lakes. The hike begins at the East Portal Trailhead. MODERATE 3.7 mi. Turn left on East Portal Road. Like. by crazyaboutcolorado | Nov 13, 2020 | HIKE | 0 comments. Moffat Tunnel has helped trains burrow through the Rocky Mountains for almost 100 years now. Lost Creek Campground has 16 sites for tents only. 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. amzn_assoc_asins = "B01HGSLB6K,B00FA2RLX2,B07CR7PL54,B01LZN0KGB"; Completely different on Crater Lakes Trail. Several trails lead off this one so don’t be worried when you see how crowded the parking lot is like we did! 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. Hikers are heading in many directions once higher up. amzn_assoc_title = "Items I never leave without in my backpack ..."; Get Here. Supervisor's Office
At mile 1.2, stay straight (on Trail No. A trail you want to be prepared for with appropriate hiking gear. The Crater Lakes are a cluster of 5 lakes spread about a rugged valley that forms a major tributary to South Boulder Creek. Crater Lake is a 5.5 mile hike in James Peak Wilderness. Crater Lakes is in the heart of the James Peaks Wilderness and the perfect day hike or backpacking weekend. Crater Lakes Trail . In June, all sites are first-come, first-served. I saw the trail from the 2 lakes but we did not go up there. The park has two developed campgrounds, Mazama Campground and Lost Creek Campground. Bigger than I imagined and loads of people fishing. The steep last mile will test you and you’ll see you can do it and want to do more! Continue on the South Boulder Creek Trail through the forest to where it goes west and uphill to Heart Lake. 3463 Las Palomas
Your email address will not be published. Hikers are heading in many directions once higher up. The first 2 miles of this trail climbs very gradually and only contains about 1/2 mile of ⦠Weather. 901 Mechem Dr.
Continue straight through this clearing and after about a half mile you reach the junction with the Crater Lakes Trail. To access Crater Lakes you start on the South Boulder Creek Trailhead until the split for Crater Lakes Trail. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. Let's watch carefully at mile 1.2, for the Crater Lakes Trail Junction at mile 1.8. Crater Creek Trail is popular for hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bike trail users. Highly recommend this hike for an exceptional day hike or backpacking trip. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, fishing, and backpacking and is best used from June until October. National Weather Service Forecast. The trail climbs more steeply from here, until it flattens out shortly before reaching the ⦠This makes for a great campsite area. Smaller and more narrow, wrapped in steep walls on one side leaving the water looking turquoise and beautiful. 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. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Mazama Campground has 214 sites for tents and RVs. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Upper Forest Lake, a 10 minutes hike from the trailhead. There is often a cairn marking the junction. Found this description later. Please check out “What’s in Your Day Pack” for a list of items to consider anytime hiking. 2. From Netherland go south on 119 and turn right. 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. In July, August, and September, all sites can be reserved in advance. Required fields are marked *. Located at Moffat Tunnel East Portal. After about two miles of hiking through aspen groves and pine forests, you will come to the Crater Lakes Trail junction. Now the climb begins! 575-682-2551, Guadalupe District
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; We found the trailhead to the right of the Moffat Tunnel, and headed up the South Boulder Creek trail. 4 Lost Lodge Rd
amzn_assoc_title = "My hiking gear I use and love..."; This is where we leave the South Boulder Creek Trail and head right on the Crater Lakes Trail (No. This trail might just be for you. 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. Cloudcroft, NM 88317
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