Near Peeler Lakes Backpack
View towards Scarp Ridge.

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Driving Directions
Classic Hike Route

Peeler Lakes Backpack

5.0 (1 Rating)
A remote and quintessential set of high alpine lakes right beneath the feature of Scarp Ridge.
15.1
mi
Distance
3,606
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Regional Classic
A must do route for the area handpicked by local experts.
BirdingCommonly BackpackedFall ColorsFishingLakeRiver/CreekSpringSwimmingViewsWaterfall
Access Issues
Parking at the Gunsight Bridge is a long ways from the final destination, however if you choose to drive futher, you are entering high clearance, slow 4X4 access road with minimal options to turn around.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
15.12mi
Distance
3,606ft
Elevation Gain
3,606ft
Elevation Loss
65%
Max Grade
11,031ft
High Point
8,932ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
Begin from the Slate River by hiking up the Gunsight road, climbing a seemingly endless series of switchbacks into Redwell Basin. You'll encounter a handful of relics from the mining days, like abandoned mine shafts, timbers and implements along the way. Once you are in Redwell Basin, look for the trail that leaves the road, bearing northwest around the steep scree escarpment. Follow this trail, contouring northwest above the Oh Be Joyful drainage for about 2 miles. You should eventually wrap west by southwest up to your final destination: Peeler Lakes. Make sure you make your camp at least 100' feet away from the water's edge and strongly consider using an established campsite as a "sacrifice zone" to prevent making yet another permanent impact to the landscape.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Andy Sovick