Embedded Files
We spent 3 days in Ouray, CO and one of the main things we wanted to do was hike to an alpine lake. There are multiple options around this area, but we chose Columbine Lake, and it was absolutely spectacular! The trailhead is about 40 minutes south of Ouray on the Million Dollar Highway. This drive was beautiful with the bright yellow aspen trees and mountain views surrounding you. Once you turn off the main highway, the road is a bit rough and there was a little stream we had to cross. We drove a little less than a mile on this road, but there are other places to park if you don't feel like your car is up to it. You can just then walk the road to the trailhead. We had a suprise animal spotting as we were approaching the trailhead. We saw a moose!
The trailhead is on the righthand side as you walk up the road, and this trail sure gets the legs pumping right away! It was a bit chilly to start the day, but we shed our layers very quickly! Hiking through the forest, the trail switchbacks steeply up and up, gaining over 1,100 feet in 1.5 miles. Coming from basically sea level to over 10,000 feet, we were very slow going on these switchbacks! At about 1.8 miles, the trail opens up above the tree line and you can see the trail faintly in the distance.
The trail continues a steady climb above the tree line in a beautiful basin surrounded by mountains. We spotted a few marmot scampering around on the rocks on one of our many rest breaks. :) After another approximately 1,000 feet of gain, the trail finally levels out at the saddle at a ridge. There is a neat cut in the ridge where it's a good idea to watch your footing. I loved the mountain views from here.
After the saddle, the trail thankfully levels out for a bit and the surrounding mountain views are gorgeous! Wilson was able to find a little patch of snow and tried to pelt us with snowballs.
After a bit, you begin to wonder if you'll see the lake, but it actually doesn't come into view until the last moment. But boy, is the wait worth it! This lake might be one of the prettiest things I have ever seen. It's hard to describe how blue it is. It looks like the photos are enhanced, but these are straight from the iphone!
We enjoyed our lunch break here and were thankful for such a beautiful place to rest. It was neat watching the color of the lake change slightly as a few clouds would pass over. Michael was the only one of us brave enough to polar plunge in the beautiful water, but on a warmer day it would be much more appealing! After the much needed break we unfortunately had to leave this incredible place and hike back down.
The hike back down was much easier than going up, but I would definitely recommend hiking poles for the areas of slick gravel. I don't normally hike with poles, but was very thankful to have one on this hike, especially on the steep switchbacks in the tree line.
It wasn't too long before we were back to the car, feeling very accomplished! This was by far the hardest hike we've ever done, but also the most rewarding. I'll never forget the feeling of seeing the lake for the first time. I knew it was going to be blue, but I was shocked at how blue it really was. The map below shows our route above the tree line and elevation and I've included a picture of our very slow uphill pace :) This area is just breathtaking, and we feel truly blessed to have been able to experience it. Until next time!
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse