Hike to Columbine Lake

Nederland, Colorado

5.0/5

based on 1 reviews

Save

View all 7 photos

All 7 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

7 miles

Elevation Gain

1200 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Soneva Scott

This is a gorgeous hike, and is not a long drive from Winter Park/ Granby/ Grand Lake. The trail follows a river to get to the lake, and once arriving at the lake, there is a crystal-clear lake surrounded with scenic, jagged mountains. Absolutely beautiful.

The hike is about seven miles, give or take, however it feels longer. The elevation gain is little over 1000 feet. The drive here is about 45 minutes from both Granby and Winter Park, and is definitely worth it.

You follow a trail dusted with wildflowers for the majority of the hike, and occasionally will burst through the forest into a meadow. The final destination of the lake is stunning, with jagged peaks surrounding a clear alpine lake. Amazing photo opportunities. I hiked here in early September... we started in the morning, which was very cold until the sun started to warm everything up! We only saw one group of people throughout the entire hike, which was very nice for a change from some of the more crowded hikes in that area. Would highly suggest for anyone who wants to do an intermediate, beautiful, dog-friendly, family-friendly, camping-friendly, hike!

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Fitness

Chillin

Camping

Fishing

Photography

Running

Swimming

Backpacking

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Lake

Picnic Area

River

Romantic

Scenic

Waterfall

Wildflowers

Wildlife

Cliff Jumping

Swimming Hole

Reviews

Maggie D

Hike to Columbine Lake

02/27/23

We went at the end of July 2022. The hike was beautiful. Lots of wildflowers but towards the end of the peak. Just before you get to the lake is so gorgeous. The lake is nice. Check the weather. We got poured on the way down and it was miserable. If there is a chance of rain be prepared. Lots of parking.

5.0

Leave No Trace

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

Nearby

Mirror and Crater Lakes via Cascade Creek Trail

Start at the Monarch Lake trailhead (where there is a $5 parking fee unless you have one of the national lands passes) and follow the cascade creek trail around the north side of the lake. After about 1.5 miles the trail splits with the Arapaho pass trail, follow the cascade trail to the left as it rises through the forest. The trail continues to rise steadily in places and moderate in others u...

Backpack to Caribou Lake

This is one of the most beautiful hikes I have ever done in Colorado. It is a great trip for photographers, fisherman or anyone who enjoys mountain views, forests filled with wildlife and peaceful meadows. Distances: Arapaho Pass: 3.2 miles, Caribou Lake: 4.2 miles, Caribou Pass: 6.4 miles, Meadow Creek Reservoir: 10.7 milesCaribou Lake can be accessed from the Fourth of July Trailhead which is...

Hike the Arapaho Traverse

Begin at the Fourth of July Trailhead. Day parking is free and overnight parking is $5. Fourth of July is a popular trailhead and to ensure parking, you should arrive early in the morning (6am-ish... cause, I mean, you gotta 7 hour day in front of you). Follow the Fourth of July trail from the parking lot to the Fourth of July Mine ruins (11,250'), double back to the northeast on the Arapaho ...

Hike to Diamond Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness

Diamond Lake is located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. This is a super popular destination, so make sure you arrive early to get a parking spot (and be sure to follow all parking rules, they do give out tickets at this trailhead and others nearby). The drive to the trailhead is about 4 miles down a dirt road - this road is passable for small cars, but be patient and check the weather before yo...

Hike to Arapaho Pass and Lake Dorothy

Begin by parking at the 4th of July trailhead. This can be reached by conituing past the Eldora ski area and up a rough but passable (for all vehicles) gravel road to the trailhead. The trail is easy to find, and will continue to rise for the next 1.15 miles.At just over a mile there is a fork for the Arapaho pass/Diamond Lake split. Take the Arapaho pass trail to the left and continue hiking. ...

Hike South Araphaho Peak

Start your hike at the 4th of July Trailhead, just outside of Eldora, CO. From the trailhead at the north end of the parking lot, steadily climb through the trees until a junction at 1 mile. Take the right fork towards Arapaho pass.You'll start to climb above treeline, with spectacular views of the valley and surrounding peaks. At 2 miles, you'll reach another junction in a large flat area. Tak...

Hike to Columbine Lake

Details

Description

Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Mirror and Crater Lakes via Cascade Creek Trail

Backpack to Caribou Lake

Hike the Arapaho Traverse

Hike to Diamond Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness

Hike to Arapaho Pass and Lake Dorothy

Hike South Araphaho Peak

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps