Wheeler Lakes

Distance: 6 miles round trip
Elevation: 9, 700 ft - 11,095 ft
Elevation Gain: 1, 486 ft (cumulative)
Date Hiked:19 July 2015
Bathroom at Trailhead: No
Dogs: Off leash until the Wilderness Boundary
Tags: #coloradooutdoors #nature #lake #summitcounty #coppermountain

Second Wheeler Lake near Copper Mountain Colorado

Wheeler Lakes, near the Copper Mountain Ski Resort, are two shallow lakes nestled in a large meadow surrounded by towering Spruce and Fir trees. In summer the route is damp, muddy, and filled with wall-to-wall wildflowers. Occasional views of Copper Mountain and the western side of the Ten Mile Range add an additional flair.  The route follows the Gore Range Trail until a turn off to Wheeler Lakes.

Parking at exit 196

Start of the Gore Range Trail

There are three places to park near Wheeler Lakes, each resulting in a slightly different round trip distance. The official trailhead is located at a scenic overlook (exit 196) 0.8 miles west of Copper Mountain. The advantage of this location is plenty of parking. The downside is an extra slog along the less than scenic I-70. The second option is right at exit 195 (north side). There is room along the side of the road for 10 or so cars. Finally, you can always park in one of Copper's parking lots and cross I-70 over the bridge. On this trip I scored a spot right on the exit. Measured from my parking spot, the turn off to Wheeler Lakes was at 2.6 miles.

Sagebrush hillside filled with wildflowers

Looking down on the Copper Mountain ski resort

The first 0.5 miles of the route follows I-70 along a Sagebrush hillside dotted with drier climate wildflowers. Once the trail reaches the wilderness boundary at 1 mile, the trail becomes more shaded and damp. Rivulets may run down the trail until late in the season creating tiny bogs. Good water proof shoes will entice you to trod through the mud and not expand the trail to avoid it.

Heading away from the highway and into the trees

Lupine grace the forest floor

At 2.0 miles, the trail skirts the edge of a very large meadow. The ridge leading to Uneva Pass is visible in the distance. Hang out until September and you might glimpse Elk congregating for the annual rut. At 2.5 miles is a shelf with expansive views of the western side of the Ten Mile Range including the craggy peaks of Mayflower Gulch, one of the best destinations in the area.

Large meadow

View of the west side of the Ten Mile Range

Shortly past the plateau is the well marked turn off to Wheeler Lakes. The first lake, at 11,085 ft, will come into view almost immediately. It is surrounded by verdant marsh grasses and towering Fir trees. On this trip the water was still as glass and the only sound was the continuous chirping of forest birds. Due to the marshy ground, there are only a few place that you can approach the water and it may be best to continue on to the second lake, at 11,065 ft, which is 0.4 miles further on and off to the left.

Trail sign for the Wheeler Lakes turn off

First Wheeler Lake

A small, drier hillside dotted with Pine and carpeted with wildflowers borders the second lake on is northern side. You can explore the lake from either the southern or northern sides, but a large marsh to the west prevents a total circumnavigation.

Rosy pink paintbrush

View of Uneva Pass

Instead, climb the hillside (11,095 ft) and wander a short distance for unexpected views of Uneva Pass and Officers Gulch/I-70. On this trip, wildflowers graced every inch of the area. There are numerous rocky outcropping suitable for a private lunch.

Wildflower collage

Wheeler Lakes is one of the wetter destinations in the area even in the heat of summer. Despite this, parking along the exit can get crowded particularly at the peak of wildflower season. Continue 1.8miles further on the Gore Range Trail to Lost Lake for a longer hike.

Once last glimpse of the first lake

Colorado Trail (Segment 8) Copper Mountain to Guller Gulch

Distance: 7 miles roundtrip (Guller Creek), 10.4 miles round trip (part way up Guller Gulch)
Elevation: 9,712 ft - 11,081 ft
Elevation Gain:1,369 (net), 1,852 (cumulative)
Dogs: Off leash
Bathroom at Trailhead: Yes
Tags: #hiking, #coloradooutdoors, #coloradotrail
Nearby hikes: Mayflower Gulch, Shrine Mountain, Shrine Mountain East, Wheeler Lakes, Wilder Gulch

Verdant ground cover dominates this portion of the Colorado Trail. 

Segment 8 of the Colorado Trail starts on the east side of Highway 91 near Copper Mountain Ski Resort, travels through the resort itself, crosses scenic Guller Creek, and travels up Guller Gulch to Janet's Cabin and Searle Pass. From there it travels down to Camp Hale and Tennessee Pass. The total distance is 24.4 miles. You don't have to be a long distance hiker though to enjoy parts of this trail.

The Colorado Trail is accessed up the hill behind the put golf course in the middle of Copper Mountain.

Look for the Colorado Trail sign

On this day hike, we started by the Eagle lift in Copper Mountain and traveled 5.2 miles one way, which took us three quarters of the way up Guller Gulch. Starting at Copper allows you to get a head start if you want to make Searle Pass and return.

First stream crossing

Part of this route crosses open ski slopes with lifts and snow making equipment while the remainder switchbacks up through a deep forest blanketed with chartreuse ground cover. The elusive Calypso Orchid can be found here, not just in a splash of solitary color, but in a whole palate covering the forest floor. Rare Red Columbine also grows between the trees and competes with the orchids for your attention.

Rare and delicate Calypso Orchid

From the Eagle lift, it is 0.6 miles before you enter the woods and 1.2 miles to the first creek crossing on a double planked bridge. You cross under the last ski lift at 2.2 miles and come across the ruins of an old cabin at 3 miles. A half a mile later you cross Jacque Creek and shortly there after Guller Creek and enter Guller Gulch.

Red Columbine

Guller Gulch is a beautiful wide open valley filled with towering Engleman Spruce, lush grasses, and beaver ponds. The red sandy slopes of Jacque Ridge dominate the left side of the gulch and provide a visual marker to progress as one hikes further and further upwards.

Crossing Guller Creek

A few years ago this segment of the Colorado Trail was rerouted and there are several places where the old trail is visible. Keep an eye on the signage and you should be ok. This segment is pleasant not only because of its soft terrain and easy access, but because you can go as little or as far as you like and dogs are welcome, which is always a bonus in an area surround by wilderness.

Heading up Guller Gulch

To get to the trailhead in Copper Mountain itself, exit I-70 at highway 91 and take the immediate left into Copper Mountain (Copper Rd). Wind past the golf course and fire station and then turn left on Ten Mile Circle. There is a large parking structure on the left (accessed via a kiosk on the west side) that is free in the summer. After leaving the parking lot, travel due west on Ten Mile Circle for about 100 yards to large open area dominated by the Eagle lift. The Colorado Trail is just up the hill and is accessed up the wide dirt path to the left of a small putt putt golf course.

Near our turn around point