DIRECTIONS: From just before you enter Walden, turn west on 12 towards Delany Buttes Lake. Stay on 12 as it turns to the north, then the west, then north again, then west again. At the intersection, turn south onto County Road 16 (good dirt road) until you reach the Ranch. Continue on 16 as it curves behind the ranch and enters the forest on private ranch property. Rd 16 enters Routt National Forest and as it does so it gets a bit rougher (still a good dirt road). From the Routt NF boundary its about 2.5 miles to the Katherine Trailhead. Along the way there are a number of good dispersed campsites so camping in the area is possible.

HIKE DESCRIPTION:

This is an exceptionally wonderful hike. The Mount Zirkel Wilderness is a gem in Colorado. It’s well known but less traveled than other areas and its understated in its beauty. The east side of the range sees fewer visitors and most of the hiking destinations require a backpacking trip. The hike to Lake Katherine and Bighorn Lake is one of the few exceptions. Either lake is wonderful but combining the hikes is the way to go and clocks in at about 7 miles round trip. The perfect length for a half or full day hike in the Zirkels.

The hike begins at the Katherine Trailhead, on the Lone Pine Trail through pine and aspen forests. This whole area should be beautiful in the fall as there are plenty of aspens along the way. Also, the meadows and hillsides are filled with wildflowers so summer hiking is also quite wonderful (except for the mosquitos…).

After 1 1/4 miles, you’ll reach the junction with the Lake Katherine Trail, Leave the Lone Pine Trail by bearing left here. A few feet down the trail you’ll reach the junction with the Bighorn Lake Trail. You can tackle either lake first, I think that Lake Katherine is slightly more beautiful if that makes any difference in your choice. I went to Lake Katherine first so continue to bear left for the Lake Katherine Trail.

There are a few obstacles on your way up to Lake Katherine, mostly downed trees. However, the first obstacle is a creek crossing that can be difficult depending on the water levels. There are rocks to step across and logs to help. The trail gets a bit steeper as you climb up the drainage towards Lake Katherine. Before too long you’ll reach a gorge with an awesome waterfall or two barreling down the rocky gash. The trail switchbacks up along the gorge to the outflow of Lake Katherine.

As you approach the lake you should be amazed at the sparkling green blue water. This lake is truly incredible. There is a loose beaver dam at the outlet (I fell in the lake trying to cross it) and there is a trail that continues to some rock outcrops with a bit of easy scrambling to get to. This was my destination and it was perfect, there is endless exploration to be had at this lake. The lake with the unnamed peaks in the background is stellar and perfect Zirkel scenery. What gets me is how this range is lower elevation than other Colorado Ranges, the top of the rocky peak behind the lake is under treeline…

After you’ve enjoyed Lake Katherine, head back down the trail to the Bighorn Trail. The Bighorn Trail heads up the main valley paralleling the Lone Pine Trail for about half a mile of relatively easy hiking. After another creek crossing you’ll reach a small cascading waterfall as the trail gets steeper on the approach to Bighorn Lake. Bighorn Lake is also incredibly beautiful with some sharp peaks and cliffs on the far side. The beaver dam here is far easier to cross and there is a trail on the far side. I suggesting taking this trail to some rock outcrops for great lake views. The peak in the background is also unnamed and stands at about 11,000 ft. It is stunning. After you’ve had your fill of alpine splendor, and acquired another hundred mosquito bites, head back down to the Lone Pine Trail and back to the trailhead.

This two for one lake hike is magical. I haven’t yet visited many lakes in the Zirkel Wilderness but this hike makes me want to come back for longer hikes. I think I may return in the fall when the mosquitos have chilled out a bit and the trees have turned. This is a good introduction to the area and will surely leave you wanting more.