Near Caribou Pass Trail #11
Lake Dorothy is a lovely detour from the Caribou Pass Trail, just before it meets the Arapahoe Pass Trail.
Near Caribou Pass Trail #11
This view looks down from the trail to Lake Dorothy, toward the end of the Caribou Pass Trail/continuation of the Arapahoe Pass Trail.
Near Caribou Pass Trail #11
View to Northeast from Caribou Pass after ascent from Junco Lake Trailhead
Near Caribou Pass Trail #11
Lake Dorothy is a short detour from the Arapahoe (Caribou) Pass Trail just after the trail splits. It's highly recommended!
Near Caribou Pass Trail #11
Path as marked from Caribou Pass to Arapahoe Pass is very exposed, narrow, and only suitable for experienced, sure-footed hikers. We turned back rather than risk crossing along steep snowpack,

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Caribou Pass Trail #11

4.9 (9 Ratings)
Earn stunning views of Mt. Neva and Dorothy Lake on this seldom used trail.
4.1
mi
Distance
2,051
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Fall ColorsLakeRiver/CreekViewsWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
Permits are required for overnight stays in the Indian Peak Wilderness (IPW) from June 1 to September 15. Parking in the Arapaho National Recreation Area (ANRA) at Monarch Lake or Meadow Creek and Junco Lake TH requires a daily use fee. $5 daily fee. Annual passes available.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.06mi
Distance
2,051ft
Elevation Gain
225ft
Elevation Loss
25%
Max Grade
12,106ft
High Point
10,084ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Starting from the Junco Lake trailhead, this trail begins as an old jeep road now closed to motorized vehicles. After a mile, the road forks and the right-hand fork leads to several tumbled down log cabins beside Meadow Creek. Following the left fork, the road will skirt the northern edge of a long open meadow through which Meadow Creek flows. Here the trail enters the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. The trail continues to a junction. The right fork goes to Columbine Lake and Mt. Neva on Columbine Lake Trail. The left fork goes on a narrow footpath to Caribou Pass. Rock cairns mark the trail, even though it is well defined. From Caribou Pass you can continue on to Arapaho Pass (elevation 11,906) and from there continue down to Monarch Lake, or return to Junco Lake trailhead.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
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Contributors
Tom Robson