Tag: Arapahoe National Forest

Creek along trail

Columbine Lake Trail TR 11.1

Falls Columbine lake trail

In the Arapaho National Forest you will surely enjoy this scenic hike beginning from the Junco Lake Parking Lot and Trailhead.

The Columbine Lake Trail takes you through a beautiful area of the Indian Peaks Wilderness through varying terrain. The trail is well-maintained and lightly-traveled and takes you on a gradual uphill climb to the lake. Some areas are flat and easy while other parts of the trail require you to climb over hills and rocks. At 1.8 miles on the Caribou Pass Trail, take the right fork towards Columbine Lake.

Creeks by meadow

There is beautiful scenery from beginning to end. You will begin in pine forest, then move into open marshy meadow with brilliant wildflowers, past waterfalls and on to Columbine Lake at the end of the trail. At the top you will be pleasantly surprised by the beauty of the water, the water falls, and the Rocky Mountains that form the continental divide around you. At the foot of Mt. Neva, the lake is clear, shallow and contains trout. Tent camping is allowed in the area with a permit. Stay a while and enjoy the peace and quiet of the area.

creek beside meadow Columbine Lake

Restrooms available along the road before you arrive at the trailhead.

Picnic spot recommendations:
Pack yourself a picnic to enjoy at Columbine Lake.

meadow and mtns

Hell’s Hole Trail (TR #53)

Hell’s Hole (trail #53) is a hiking trail that begins at the Chicago Creek picnic ground (west of Idaho Springs). The trail is a 4 1/2 mile hike to the base of Gray Wolf Mountain – a place called Hell’s Hole. The trail ends at the base of the mountain in an open meadow. The area is gorgeous! With an open alpine meadow and small creek surrounded by high peaks, this place is worth the long hike!

The trail is well-maitained by the U.S. Forest Service and is moderately traveled. The trailhead begins in the Chicago Creek picnic area then passes through tall aspen stands, steep slopes, and pine forest. It is mostly an uphill climb and will take you a better part of the day to hike in and back out again. We had a picnic at the end of the trail (in Hell’s Hole) and just spent time taking in the beauty. A fantastic hike with great views!

Restrooms Available at trailhead.