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

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Route

Grizzly Lake

4.9 (10 Ratings)
A gorgeous outing to an alpine lake deep in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness.
7.3
mi
Distance
2,053
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsFamily FriendlyLakeRiver/CreekSwimmingViewsWaterfallWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
7.28mi
Distance
2,053ft
Elevation Gain
2,053ft
Elevation Loss
55%
Max Grade
12,532ft
High Point
10,571ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
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.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Tabor Creek Trail

Classic Hike Route

Tabor Creek Trail

Birding
strenuous
7.52 mi
+2,325 ft
Lost Man Trail

Classic Hike Route

Lost Man Trail

Lake
strenuous
8.77 mi
+2,442 ft
Grizzly Peak and Garfield Peak

Hike Route

Grizzly Peak and Garfield Peak

Views
strenuous
6.86 mi
+3,060 ft
Linkins Lake Trail

Hike Route

Linkins Lake Trail

Lake
easy
0.59 mi
+501 ft
Grizzly Ridge Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Grizzly Ridge Out-and-Back

Views
strenuous
10.12 mi
+4,009 ft
Lost Man Lake

Hike Route

Lost Man Lake

Lake
moderate
5.19 mi
+1,649 ft
Contributors
Jason Smith