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Hike Route

Keep Kool Butte

5.0 (1 Rating)
A very remote feeling, raw, and rugged trail to an under-appreciated peak
6.1
mi
Distance
2,996
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
BirdingCommonly BackpackedFall ColorsLakeLess CrowdedRiver/CreekSwimmingViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
6.13mi
Distance
2,996ft
Elevation Gain
2,996ft
Elevation Loss
40%
Max Grade
5,951ft
High Point
3,076ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
Keep Kool Butte is accessed off of Twin Lakes Road, and because of how sparsely used this trail is, finding the exit can sometimes be a challenge. Park your car anywhere on the road that makes sense, i.e. so other vehicles can still get around you and so you have a safe turnaround spot, then start climbing the trail.The trail is fairly obvious but there may be occasional overgrown and eroded sections that challenge your route-finding abilities, so, maybe just have the onX map downloaded to help stay on track. The last time I hiked this trail there were a lot of fallen trees and overgrown sections of trail, so you can expect a little bushwhacking at times. A long-sleeved shirt and pants might be nice. You're sure to find solitude and peace of mind on this trail. The steep climb through the woods will eventually deliver you to treeline and a meadow with some tarns. The views from here are great, but a bit more climbing is still in store. Turning right from this lakes area would take you to the much more popular Yellow Aster Butte and the trail to Tomyhoi Peak, but you want to turn left, taking the ridgeline of the High Divide. In just half a mile more of steep meadow and talus walking, you'll be standing on top of Keep Kool Butte (5,933 feet), and likely have it all to yourself.

Route Conditions

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Nearby Hike Routes

Tomyhoi Peak via Keep Kool Trail

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Tomyhoi Peak via Keep Kool Trail

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Winchester Mountain

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Winchester Mountain Hike

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Lake
moderate
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+1,571 ft
Contributors
Justin Daniels