Near Avalanche Creek Trail
Bad omen? I hope not.
Near Avalanche Creek Trail
Vegetation on sides of trail grows taller as you go further - face height within the next mile.
Near Avalanche Creek Trail
Where the bridge is out.
Near Avalanche Creek Trail
A heavy canopy blocks out the sun.
Near Avalanche Creek Trail
We ran Avalanche Creek to Avalanche Lake as an out and back. Here's a shot from the way back.

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Route

Avalanche Creek Trail

3.5 (6 Ratings)
A gradual climb to Avalanche Lake - a stunning destination deep in the Elk Mountains.
19.9
mi
Distance
4,469
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingCommonly BackpackedFall ColorsLakeRiver/CreekSwimmingViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
19.92mi
Distance
4,469ft
Elevation Gain
4,469ft
Elevation Loss
50%
Max Grade
10,713ft
High Point
7,356ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
Avalanche Lake Trail (#1959) begins from the parking lot and ascends through aspen groves, intersecting with the Hell Roaring Trail after about 2.5 miles. Keep straight here as the trail crosses Hell Roaring Creek (may be dry late in the season) before descending a few hundred vertical feet toward Avalanche Creek. If you are going out and back, pace accordingly as climbing back out of here can be a bit of a grind. After 5 miles, the trail crosses a beautiful meadow called Duley Park before entering groves of ginormous aspens. After another 2 miles or so, look for the intersection with East Creek Trail. Keep straight, preparing for a notably steep but beautiful segment to the intersection with Capitol Creek Trail after 10 miles. Stay right and you'll arrive on the shores of the stunning Avalanche Lake.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Thomas Lakes

Hike Route

Thomas Lakes

Lake
strenuous
8.07 mi
+1,640 ft
Mount Sopris

Classic Hike Route

Mount Sopris

Birding
strenuous
13.25 mi
+4,721 ft
Thomas Lakes Out and Back

Classic Hike Route

Thomas Lakes Out and Back

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
8.07 mi
+1,640 ft
Capitol Creek

Classic Hike Route

Capitol Creek

Birding
strenuous
12.16 mi
+2,750 ft
Capitol Lake, Avalanche Creek, Hell's Roaring Pass Loop

Hike Route

Capitol Lake, Avalanche Creek, Hell's Roaring Pass Loop

Birding
strenuous
23.3 mi
+7,493 ft
Capitol Peak

Hike Route

Capitol Peak

Fall Colors
extreme
16.23 mi
+5,946 ft
Contributors
Jason Smith