A Colorado Hike Not To Miss
A hike on Columbine Lake Trailhead in Grand County satisfies three key ingredients for a great outdoor active day: water, wildlife and wilderness. The trek starts at the Junco Lake Trailhead (directions below) about a 40-minute drive from downtown Winter Park.
The first mile of the 6.8-mile roundtrip hike follows an old jeep road in the Indian Peaks Wilderness area. Over the next mile, the trail narrows, steepens a bit and follows a stream. Views rotate between thick forest and open wild flower filled meadows which are a great spot for watching wildlife- including moose- if you time it right. Along the way, bridge crossings created from downed trees allow hikers to pass over water crossings.
A fork in the trail marks the 1.8-mile mark of the hike. The left trail veers to Caribou Pass and the right side to Columbine Lake. Shortly after this, a manmade boulder path leads hikers over a muddy marsh. Up until this point, the trail climbs steadily but for the last 1.5 miles expect a steeper grade with bigger rocks.
At the top, the glacial lake, which is an enticing Gatorade blue, sits at the base of Mt. Neva. Get ready to take a dip in the chilling trout filled water before claiming a spot on one of the many boulder beaches to enjoy a picnic. Try to find some silence, too, and keep an ear out for a few big ol’ bullfrogs croaking in the wet marshes.
Distance: 6.8-Miles Roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate. Expect a steady climb most of the way and then a punchy, rocky steep climb for the last quarter of a mile.
Climbs: 1,000 feet over three miles.
What To Bring:
-Bug Spray- towards the top and at the top of lake it’s marshy and wet, attracting lot of bugs.
-Lunch to enjoy at the lake.
-Towel and change of clothes for those brave enough to jump into the cool water.
-Credit Card or $5 cash for day permit. Note: Pay station is 5 miles into the drive on Highway 84.
Directions: Head West on Highway 40 from Downtown Winter Park. Turn right onto County Road 83 (Towards Devils Thumb Ranch)/ At Fork Turn Left. Note: First Two Miles are paved; the last 8.5 are dirt road, with a very bumpy quarter of a mile into the Junco Lake Trailhead.
Insider Tip: Before hiking, head to Rise & Shine Café in Downtown Winter Park for a locals favorite breakfast. Here, the employees are up before hikers cooking fresh bread, pastries and doughnuts. My top pick- the breakfast sandwich (on homemade rye bread) with egg, avocado and tomato.
And after hiking, Rudi’s Deli, also in downtown Winter Park, will replenish you. Happy hour runs from 4-8- buy a sandwich and get a craft beer starting at just 2 bucks.
