DIRECTIONS: This hike starts from the Geneva Park Campground, located off of Guanella Pass Road south of the pass. From I70, take the Georgetown Exit and head through town following signs for Guanella Pass. Drive south over the pass and down the other side until you see the signs for Geneva Park. From Hwy 285 turn north on Guanella Pass Road at the town of Grant. Head north until you see the signs for Geneva Park. Turn west and the Campground is easy to find but park at the Duck Lake Picnic Ground just outside the campground. The trail starts behind campsites 17 & 18. Look for the small meadow, cross to the other side and look for the wood post with a blue trail marker.
This small hidden trail, does not show up on most trail maps of the area. There is no sign showing a designated trail name or mileage. That being said, the trail is well established and easy to follow.
Find campsites 17 & 18 and walk through (try not to disturb the campers...) to the small meadow behind the campsites. You'll see a trail at the far side with a wood post. Shortly after another trail sign points south and north, keep right to head north towards Geneva Park. The trail weaves through pine and aspen forest and after about a quarter of a mile the trail climbs a small rocky gully and the views open up to Geneva Park. This makes for a great easy destination if you are trying to get away from the hustle and bustle of the popular campground. Square Top Mountain dominates the view. We followed the trail for another half mile but the tired young children that we were dragging along decided that was far enough. Most of the trail past the meadow to the .75 mile mark is through forest, with a few mountain views here and there. I would assume that the views get better the farther up head up valley but don't take my word for it. According to Google Earth, continuing for just another .25 mile leads you to another meadow and viewpoint. Hiking to this second meadow would result in a 2 mi (round trip) hike. This is a great hike if you are camping at the Geneva Park Campground, but it is also a good destination hike in itself. There are not many easy hiking options in Geneva Park and the valley is absolutely stunning. I look forward to coming back and exploring this trail again in the near future. |
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Geneva Park
Pike National Forest
Date Hiked: May 27, 2018
Distance: 2 mi (RT) - option for longer hike
Elevation Gain: 300 ft
Elevation Min.Max: 9,723 to 9,904 ft
Trailhead Lat/Long: 39º 31' 51" N; 105º 44' 16" W
Managing Agency: U.S. Forest Service
Fee: None