Directions:

From US Hwy 40 at Tabernash, Colorado, take County Road 84 eleven miles, turn southeast on Forest Road 129.3A 1/10 mile to trailhead.

Hike Description:

Columbine Lake is one of those iconic alpine lakes nestled into the numerous basins of the Indian Peaks.  The lake is a popular spot for day hikers as well as for those looking for a quick backpacking trek. However long your adventure, Columbine Lake is a wonderful spot to explore and enjoy.

The hike begins at the Junco Lake Trailhead, along the High Lonesome Trail, also part of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.   A few minutes after you start hiking, the Caribou Pass Trail branches off, continue ahead.   The trail strides through the basic alpine pine forest and passes by some ruins of old mining cabins.  At about 1.5 miles the trail enters the Indian Peaks Wilderness and the mountain views begin across a massive alpine meadow. 

At 2 miles, the Columbine Lake Trail branches off to the right and continues through the sparse forest.  Before long the forest yields to stark granite cliffs and the trail begins to climb along the shores of creeks with beautiful cascades. As you climb, the cliffs get larger and soon form the walls of the basin, which means you are nearing the lake. The lake is stunning, a rugged ridgeline rises above the eastern shore, and the western shore is lined with rocks that seem made to be relaxed upon.  The return hike follows the same route.

The hike to Columbine Lake is a relatively easy jaunt into the Indian Peaks, but not too easy.  The hike requires effort in a high alpine environment.  It will take your breath away…but not too much…