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Hike to American Lakes

Walden, Colorado

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

11 miles

Elevation Gain

1680 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Grant Whitty

American Lakes is an intermediate and well-marked trail with great features like alpine lakes, wildflowers, wildlife, and panoramic views of the Never Summer Mountains. 

American Lakes are two high alpine lakes located within State Forest State Park and the Never Summer Mountain Range. The park is located about 75 miles west of Fort Collins, Colo. along Highway 14 on the west side of Cameron Pass.

Coming down from Cameron Pass, look for a sign for the American Lakes Trailhead. When turning into the access road, make sure to fill out the form and pay the daily fee for the park ($7.00 USD // 9.24.2016). After payment, continue down the access road until you reach the parking area. The parking area is a dirt plot at the end of the access road. There will be signs. 

Once you reach the trail head tighten your hiking boots and double check that you have all of your gear. Hit the trail just behind the Sign-In Board. The trail is very wide as it is also used for snowmobile traffic in the winter. 

Continue on the wide trail for a about a mile. As you ascend you will soon intersect Michigan Ditch Road. Do not follow the road, continue straight through the interaction and to the right to continue towards American Lakes. There will be signage incase you get lost. 

After the intersection with Michigan Ditch, remain on the wide trail. Soon the trail will begin to thin out into a single-track hiking trail. From here the trail will begin slowly switchbacking up towards the lakes. We found a few grouse in the woods there.

There are quite a few switchbacks, though they are gradual, take your time. The trail will begin breaking out of the trees and into the high-alpine after a good number of switchbacks. 

Once you ascend above tree line, the lakes are just minutes away. You will wind through one last patch of small trees before you reach the lakes. 

Now the lakes will be in sight, advance onward towards the shore. Take a sip of water, have a snack and enjoy the serenity. 

We hiked to the lakes on September 24, 2016. This was Colorado's first snowfall for the upcoming winter season. Keep in mind, Colorado mountains often gets snow as early as September 1. Make sure to check the weather and dress accordingly. 

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Features

Photography
Snowshoeing
Hiking
Forest
Lake
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Reviews

I hiked this trail in mid September and was blown away by the scenery! The hike itself only took ~3 hours round trip and was just the right amount of moderate difficulty to feel accomplished but not exhausted. We spent a few hours enjoying the upper and lower lakes with a picnic and some exploring around. The highlight of this hike was by far the two groups of moose we saw including two massive bulls and three calves. This is a great day hike or potential overnight trip! I will definitely be doing this hike again soon.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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