IntrepidXJ's Adventure Blog

Mount Princeton (Buena Vista, CO)

The Mount Princeton trail is a popular trail in the area because of it’s easy access. While most of the trail is easy, the last shelf road at the top is a little narrow and off-camber in sections that might give trouble to anyone who is afraid of heights. This section of the road also has few places to pass other vehicles (as I found out when I had to backup a long ways on my way back down from the top), so keep watch for oncoming traffic.

When you reach the top of the trail, you are greeted with great views of Mount Antero across the valley. There is a hiking trail from the parking area at the end of the trail that leads to the top of Mount Princeton, which has an elevation of 14,197 feet. The parking area is just above 12,000 feet. If you are not up for the strenuous hike to the top of Mount Princeton, there is a shorter hike that takes you to the Bristlecone Park USFS Chalet. This chalet is open to the public to stay in, as long as you leave it better than you found it.

Please feel free to leave your comments and post your pictures from Mount Princeton below.

Mount Princeton KML Track
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Open file above in Google Earth.

Alpine Tunnel (Pitkin, CO)

The Alpine Tunnel trail is not only very scenic to drive, but is also very interesting as it takes you to the Alpine Tunnel and the Alpine Tunnel Station which contains a number of structures that are still standing. This trail takes off from the Cumberland Pass Road, however it is also accessed from the Hancock Pass trail which intersects it near the middle by the Sherrod Loop. Coming from Cumberland Pass you will pass the Tunnel Gulch water tank which was restored by the Mile High Jeep Club.

On your way to the end of the trail you will also drive across a section of shelf road called The Palisades. This section was built from hand cut stones without any mortar. It’s amazing that they have lasted this long without any serious damage! When you reach the parking area, it is just a short hike to the Alpine Tunnel Station.

The Alpine Tunnel was built by the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad in 1881 at an elevation of 11,600 feet. The total length of the tunnel is 1,800 feet and it goes right through the Continental Divide. The tunnel was in operation until 1910 when it caved in. It was never reopened after that. The entrance to the tunnel is closed off by a rock slide.

When you make it to the Alpine Station, make sure you go inside, sign the log book and check out the restored building. There are also a number of other structures still partially standing in the area worth checking out including the stone engine house and the wooden turntable.

Please feel free to leave your comments and post your pictures from the Alpine Tunnel trail below.

Alpine Tunnel KML Track
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Open file above in Google Earth.

Clear Lake (Silverton, CO)

Clear Lake trail is a short trail that leads to a pretty cool alpine lake. This trail starts out along South Mineral Creek which is an area that contains a number of campsites both free and paid. This is where I usually end up camping when I head to the San Juans.

The whole trail basically consists of a bunch of switchbacks that lead up to the lake. Along the way there are some great views of Rolling Mountain and the Twin Sisters. Closer to the top you will come to a switchback where you can park and take a very short hike to a nice waterfall on Clear Creek. On you way up further you can look back down and see a number of the switchbacks below.

When we made it up to the lake, it was still iced over pretty good, but there were a number of people there fishing. I hear the fishing in this lake can be pretty good. This trail makes a nice quick trip for lunch or if you are short on time.

Please feel free to leave your comments and post your pictures from Clear Lake below.

Clear Lake KML Track
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Imogene Pass (Ouray, CO)

Imogene Pass is one of my favorite trails in Colorado. It also happens to be the 2nd highest drivable pass in the state at 13,114 feet. It is most commonly driven from Telluride to Ouray because most people combine it with Black Bear Pass to make a loop. However, this trail can be driven both ways. Just make sure to keep watch for oncoming traffic and places to pass, as there are many narrow sections where passing may require backing up some distance.

Besides the great views from the pass, there are a number of other highlights along this trail. There is an outlook near the pass that is even higher than the pass and offers great 360 degree views of the San Juans. From this overlook you also look down on the Red Mountains, making them look small. On the Telluride side of the pass you climb up through Savage Basin and the old mining camp of Tomboy. Tomboy contains a number of mining structures and mine shafts that are pretty cool to check out and make for some great photo opportunities.

On the Ouray side of the pass there are great views as you follow Imogene Creek down to Camp Bird Road. Besides some colorful fields of wildflowers, there are also a few waterfalls and even some water crossings. If you are into secluded campsites, you should have no problem finding a place to pitch your tent on this side of the pass as well.

If you want to add another short side trip to your day, you can finish up Imogene Pass and then make your way up to Yankee Boy Basin. I highly recommend to anyone traveling in the area that they make sure to make time for Imogene Pass.

Please feel free to leave your comments and post your pictures from Imogene Pass below.

Imogene Pass KML Track
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Grizzly Lake (Buena Vista, CO)

Grizzly Lake is a short spur trail off the the main Hancock Road near St. Elmo. While most of the trail is not difficult, there is a ledge at the beginning of the trail that will require a modified vehicle to get over it. I managed to get myself high-centered on this ledge and had to winch up it.

After this first ledge there is a steep narrow shelf road of loose rocks that climbs into Grizzly Gulch. There are very few, if any, places to pass another vehicle in this section, so make sure there are no vehicles coming the other direction before you head up. Once you are past this steep climb, the trails levels out and becomes easier with many more places to pass other vehicles.

Eventually you will reach Grizzly Lake which is very picturesque with the mountains in the background. This is pure Colorado scenery! There are a few camp spots near the lake, and even though I do not fish, I have heard that the fishing is pretty good as well. Remember, you need to return the way that you came.

Please feel free to leave your comments and post your pictures from Grizzly Lake below.

Grizzly Lake KML Track
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Open file above in Google Earth.