Near Kroenke Lake
Looking west over Kroenke Lake.

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Kroenke Lake

4.1 (16 Ratings)
A beautiful hike through the woods, ending at an alpine lake.
8.3
mi
Distance
1,643
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Regional Classic
A must do route for the area handpicked by local experts.
Commonly BackpackedFishingLakeLess CrowdedRiver/CreekViewsWildflowers
Access Issues
The Cottonwood Creek Trailhead is generally closed for winter several miles below the start of the Horn Fork Basin Trail.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
8.26mi
Distance
1,643ft
Elevation Gain
1,643ft
Elevation Loss
20%
Max Grade
11,532ft
High Point
9,883ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
From the North Cottonwood trailhead, follow a well-marked trail west into the San Isabel wilderness. At the Kroenke Lake Trail junction go left and head towards the lake for about 2 miles. You'll cross the stream several times across bridges, rocks and fallen tress. Some crossings are easier than others depending on the time of year. The trail is not often crowded, although parking can be limited since the trailhead also provides access to Mt. Harvard and Mt. Columbia. Fishing is available at the lake, and dispersed camping is allowed on the road to the trailhead. The trail continues on to Brown's Pass for anyone looking for a longer excursion.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
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Nearby Hike Routes

Mt. Columbia and Mt. Harvard Loop

Hike Route

Mt. Columbia and Mt. Harvard Loop

Dogs Allowed
extreme
14.63 mi
+5,916 ft
Mount Harvard South Slopes

Classic Hike Route

Mount Harvard South Slopes

Dogs Allowed
extreme
12.78 mi
+4,532 ft
Mont Columbia West Slopes

Classic Hike Route

Mont Columbia West Slopes

Dogs Allowed
extreme
11.56 mi
+4,230 ft
Bear Lake and Horn Fork Basin

Hike Route

Bear Lake and Horn Fork Basin

Fall Colors
strenuous
10.69 mi
+2,550 ft
Colorado Trail: Segment 13

Hike Route

Colorado Trail: Segment 13

Views
extreme
21.89 mi
+4,299 ft
Mount Yale Southwest Slopes

Classic Hike Route

Mount Yale Southwest Slopes

Fall Colors
strenuous
8.51 mi
+4,313 ft
Contributors
Haley Newkirk