Columbine Lake Trail #509

With its more popular neighbor to the south - Ice Lakes - attracting most visitors, the lesser known Columbine Lake Trail still offers the best that the alpine backcountry has to offer. Starting right in on the switchbacks, the trail gains its first 1,000 feet of elevation in no time as it ascends the expansive and heavily wooded eastern arm of Lookout Peak, bringing with it spotty views of the mountain peaks across the highway. Just 1.1 miles from the trailhead, the route exits the trees, leveling briefly inside its first basin before climbing into its next. With the wider horizons, views of Anvil Mountain and Ohio Peak open up, as well as the higher 13,000-foot peaks that rise against Silverton's southwestern edge. In the furthest distances, you can spot the imposing silhouettes of Arrow, Vestal and the three Trinity Peaks of my favorite sub-range, the Needles. With a few more easy ups and downs, the trail reaches the eastern shores of Columbine Lake. From here, you can continue up the arduous scree covered slopes to Columbine Pass for a new perspective on Lewis Lake and Mine. Another option is to stay to the hiker's left of the trail that leads to the lake - there's an obvious alternative across a talus slope above the outflow stream. Climb the knob left of the lake - there are tremendous views of both the lake and across the valley at the Grenadiers and the peaks around Silverton. It's an easy hike back down to lakeside and worth the effort. And just remember, the distance described in the hike header as "3.3 miles" only covers the hike UP to the lake!