Near Green Lake Trail
July Aspen Sunflowers in meadow along Wild Cat Creek, during the annual Grin & Bear It trail run.
Near Green Lake Trail
Grin & Bear It racers make their return descent after having arrived at the Green Lake turn around below the Mt. Axtel massif.
Near Green Lake Trail
Descending Green Lake Trail with Mt Axtel in background.
Near Green Lake Trail
Green Lake

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Driving Directions
Classic Hike Route

Green Lake Trail

4.5 (13 Ratings)
A steep out and back to Green Lake.
8.6
mi
Distance
1,926
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Regional Classic
A must do route for the area handpicked by local experts.
BirdingFall ColorsLakeRiver/CreekViewsWildflowers

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
8.6mi
Distance
1,926ft
Elevation Gain
1,926ft
Elevation Loss
55%
Max Grade
10,637ft
High Point
8,920ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
Start by heading over to the Crested Butte Nordic Center near 2nd Avenue in town. Hike behind the building on a doubletrack heading Southeast. This eventually leads to a road and the first trail sign directing you to take a right on this road. Just under a half mile later, another sign will direct you to the left and the start of the Green Lake trail singletrack. The climb starts here and doesn't relent much. Switchback your way up the mountain through the dark timber steeply at times until getting dumped out to another road. A sign directs you to take a right on this road. About 1/2 mile on the road, another sign directs you to get back onto singletrack to your left. Wind your way up through the dark timber and enjoy the rugged trail on the way. The trail eventually starts opening up, stay straight at the intersection for Trail 436. Once at the lake, marvel in its beauty and get ready to turn around an hike back the way you came.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Scott Krankkala