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A gorgeous outing to an alpine lake deep in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness.


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Map Key

7.5

Miles

12.1

KM

Out and Back

12,521' 3,816 m

High

10,578' 3,224 m

Low

1,959' 597 m

Up

1,959' 597 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

40%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly After a short, steep initial climb, you quickly get to beautiful views on easy trail.

Overview

Journey up a splendid, mellow drainage on kind singletrack to an idyllic lake beneath the north face of Grizzly Peak.

Need to Know

The trail follows Grizzly Creek w/ several crossings that may present high water during runoff.

Description

This is quite easy for a high alpine expedition. From the trailhead, climb steep switchbacks for a few hundred feet through dense evergreens. Just as this starts to burn, the trail mellows out as you escape the forest to enter an incredible series of meadows in the Grizzly Creek drainage. Climbing is very gradual until right around mile 3, where you leave the creek behind to climb the final 1,000' to Grizzly Lake.

If you've picked a good weather day, allow plenty of time to kick back and relax at the lake. It's a tough spot to beat.

Flora & Fauna

Expect epic wildflowers in the summer and fall foliage later in the season.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jason Smith

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 9 votes

#685

Overall
  5.0 from 9 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#135

in Colorado

#685

Overall
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7,583 Since Sep 22, 2015
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Photos

Approaching the sublime Grizzly Lake. About as good as it gets.
Sep 23, 2015 near Aspen, CO
Family hike along Grizzly Creek enroute to Grizzly Lake
Sep 23, 2015 near Aspen, CO
Grizzly Lake on 9/26/23
Sep 28, 2023 near Aspen, CO
Grizzly Lake = Dog heaven!
Sep 23, 2015 near Aspen, CO
Michelle Smith turns the corner toward Grizzly Lake during a sublime late Summer outing in the alpine.
Sep 23, 2015 near Aspen, CO

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