Chihuahua Lake

Distance: 8.5 miles round trip
Elevation: 10,460 ft - 12,282 ft
Elevation Gain: 1,822 ft
Dogs: Off leash
Bathroom at Trailhead: No
Tags: #coloradooutdoors, #hiking, #mountainlake
Nearby hikes: Lenawee, Argentine Pass

The deep blue waters of Chihuahua Lake

Chihuahua Lake near Keystone, CO in Summit County is a large glacial tarn nestled at the base of Grizzly Peak. The trail to the lake is not for soft paws however, being very rocky and filled with deep water crossings even in late summer. Additionally, the last pitch to the lake is a steep rock scramble requiring both agility and perseverance. The reward for those strong enough is a stunning view of the back side of Grays and Torreys and a pristine lake filled with deep indigo waters.

Heading up the lower portion of the jeep road

Passing a large boulder field

The first 2.7 miles of the trail follows Forest Service Road 263 and you will not be alone on this segment. I was quite surprised at the number of vehicles that passed us both coming and going because this is a road only for the hardiest of drivers. Because of this traffic, the road is very rocky and rutted which makes for a jarring experience.

First stream crossing. This plank leads to a round log half way across. 

This road crosses Chihuahua Creek twice (at 1.2 and 2.0 miles) and in both cases, the water is deep, even in late summer. After seeing the extent of the beaver activity throughout the valley, I doubt the creek ever dries out. Water shoes and a pole are a must unless you don't mind wet feet. At the lower crossing, someone had tried to put a plank across to a large fallen log in an improvised bridge, but this structure will not survive next spring's run off. At the upper crossing, there were a few rocks that the more nimble were able to navigate. I found myself slipping off them into the water anyway.

Rutted section of the jeep road

In addition to these stream crossings, there are several places where the road itself is habitually flooded. Short social trails into the willows avoid the deepest areas but others require more slogging through bogs.

Gray and Torreys comes into view

At 2.7 miles the jeep road ends at a small parking area with a wooden fence and small sign pointing upwards. Technically, this is the start of the trail, but only true 4x4s can make it to this point. For the next half mile, the trail struggles relentlessly upwards on a steep and highly eroded path reminiscent of an approach to a 14er. This segment ends at a narrow tundra shelf surrounded on both sides by barren peaks.

Soggy section

Saddle between Grizzly  and Torres Peaks

The trail continues eastward along this shelf before turning sharply upwards on the last scramble to the lake. As you approach this area, it is difficult to tell where to leave the flat and head upwards. Several narrow, eroded drainages pour down the hillside and look like a trails. Fortunately, two people were ahead of us and we followed them to the far eastern side of the valley where the grade is less vertical. Careful scouting will reveal the route that is mostly over scree but occasionally dirt. The last 100 yards is very steep, often requiring the use of hands to pull oneself upwards. Anyone with moderate fitness can navigate this section without difficulty if they take care to keep from sliding down in the loose dirt.

Trail sign and wooden fence

Heading up rocky segment to final shelf

After the scramble, the trail continues upwards for another quarter mile before cresting on a high cliff overlooking the lake. A journey down to the water requires additional scrambling down a passable gully.

Looking back down the valley and beaver ponds below

Torreys and Grays are even closer now

Chihuahua Lake has been on my do list for a long time. I never seemed to be around at the end of the season when I had assumed the water crossings would be more manageable. Now I know that they will most likely always be there, so you just have to plan accordingly. The obstacles, while annoying, are not particularly difficult to surmount and the views of Grays and Torreys are something to behold. The saddle between Grizzly Peak and Torreys is so small and easily scaled that it makes you want to run up to the summit and down again in a fit of joy.

On the final pitch before the lake

Chihuahua Lake

To get to the trailhead, take exit 205 off of I-70 (Silverthorne/Dillon) and travel east on highway 6 toward Keystone. Just past Keystone, turn right onto Montezuma Road (County Road 5). Follow Montezuma Road for approximately 4.6 miles and turn left onto Peru Creek Road (FSR 260). Follow Peru Creek Road for approximately 2.1 miles and park along the side. The only marker that you have reached the parking area is a small brown sign on the road to the left with the number 261 on it. Other cars will be your biggest clue. Peru Creek road is passable with a passenger car to this point but can be rutted and full of washboards.

Loveland Pass West

Distance: 3 miles round trip
Elevation: 11,990 ft - 12,457 ft
Elevation Gain: 467 ft (net) 1062 ft (cum)
Bathroom at Trailhead: No
Dogs: Off leash
Tags: #coloradooutdoors, #hiking, #tundra
Nearby hikes: Upper Straight Creek, Mt. Sniktau, Herman Lake

The high tundra world along Loveland Pass West

Loveland Pass West is breathtaking high tundra hike that almost anyone with a moderate level of fitness can do since it starts way above tree line on Loveland Pass itself.

Looking across the road to the trailhead. Trail goes around to the right of the hill. 

Going around the initial knoll. Trail goes sharply up the hill in the distance. 

While short, this trail is not flat! The first 0.7 miles are the hardest, gaining 414 ft in a heart pounding climb to a small hill. You will immediately loose this well earned gain by dropping down the other side only to climb again to the broad U-shaped ridge that will form the rest of the hike.

Heading up the initial steep pitch

On the ridge looking that the route

You won't be alone on the first 0.7 miles of the journey. Instead you will be surrounded by hordes of tourists in flip flops, walking their small dogs up for a glimpse of the high country. Few make it past the first ascent, however and those that do are serious hikers.

Further along

Heading up a "false summit"

Once on the ridge, the trail weaves up and down several small hills until it dead ends at a small rock shelter on an unnamed 12K ft peak. On the one way trip you will gain 824 ft but will have climbed a total of 1,062 ft by the time you return.

At the final destination. Rock shelter in sight. 

All along the journey, views abound. There is nothing like a summer time jaunt along the Continental Divide. Tundra flowers bloom in rainbow colors and fluffy white clouds dot the horizon. Keep and eye out for more ominous grey clouds, however,  since there is no place to hide on this trail.

View to the west from the destination. 

To get to the trailhead, take the Loveland Pass road out of Keystone CO or off of I-70 just before the Eisenhower Tunnel. Parking is very limited at the pass so arrive early or in the late afternoon for a better chance of parking. The trail starts next to the Loveland Pass sign and initially wanders around the small knoll next to it. Across the road is the trailhead for Mt. Sniktau, a much harder climb. Still you will see the tourists struggling up the initial 1000 ft climb that is not for the feint of lung.