Explore Our Hikes

We kick off our excursion at 9,300’ by cruising up an old 4x4 road.  Climbing through beautiful forest, this fun & winding road brings us to the trailhead at an elevation of 10,700’.  Our hike is a gradual climb offering shade trees and shelter from any winds.  Faint sounds of a spring are heard as we approach the top of Music Pass at 11,400’.  Longstanding silent trees scatter the summit, having weathered countless storms.  The Wet Mountain Valley below seems to go on as far as the eye can see.  Pikes Peak continues to dominate the horizon despite being 67 miles away.  Rocky outcrops provide the ultimate view of several 13,000’ peaks.  The wilderness stretches out for miles, inviting any and all to experience true peace & quiet.  Tijeras Peak intimidates all creation surrounding it.  Some say that this area even sings a musical tune.  Keep your ears open!

Arriving at the trailhead, we are immediately greeted by 3 of Colorado’s 14,000 ft peaks.  Mt. Lindsey, Blanca Peak and Ellingwood Point stand strong amidst the others.  Resembling posted guards of the Sangre de Cristos, they seem to protect the Huerfano Valley below.  Our hike begins at an elevation near 10,700’.  After descending to the valley floor, we cross meadows and pass through stands of pine & spruce.  A rusted metal camp site signals the time to ascend.  The traverse steadily climbs as we pass below the base of California Peak.  Sneak peaks of the basin come and go, and small streams make their way down to the river below.  Remnants of an old miner’s cabin sit alongside the river as we reach 11,500’.  Imagine “a day in the life” for one of these explorers!  Our final ascent provides beautiful views of the surrounding peaks as we rise above the tree line.  Lily Lake sits quietly at 12,200’ as it feeds the beginnings of the Huerfano River.  The vistas are incredible!

An exciting and rugged 4x4 trail is the beginning of our incredible wilderness journey.  In only 2.5 miles, a noticeable transition from the valley floor to dense mountain forest brings us to an elevation of 10,000’.  Crisp clean air and icy waters greet us as we start the hike.  For most of the hike, we parallel South Colony Creek on an old forest service road.  Along the way, rusty campfire rings spark the imagination.  Glimpses of mountain peaks act as an invitation to the reward ahead.  We come to a spur in the trail where we head directly to the lakes.  Weathered trail improvement projects are noticeable as we ascend to around 11,600’.  Lower South Colony Lake appears out of nowhere as we reach the basin.  Its backdrop leaves one speechless.  Crestone Peak, Crestone Needle and Humboldt Peak surround us in a stunning show of natural forces.  These 14,000’ peaks tower above and provide a unique solace.  Half a mile further sits Upper South Colony Lake at 12,000’.  The crystal-clear waters offer an invigorating splash to one’s face.  We can even take a lesson from the resident marmots who enjoy sunbathing on the rocks.

Two miles up a scenic forest service road, we reach our trailhead at 9,800’.  The setting is surreal; did we pass through a portal into the past?  High reaching aspens and thick undergrowth surround us as we begin, and the distant sound of flowing water can be heard.  Meandering through an abundance of pine, spruce, and aspen, an incredible creek crossing provides an escape from reality.  Further on, a sprawling meadow offers an uninterrupted view of the surrounding peaks.  What an incredible place to let one’s cares drift away!  Inviting backcountry camp sites boast of unparalleled stargazing opportunities.  Nearing the tree line, we reach Megan Lake at an elevation of 11,500’.  The lake is humble and serene with a reflective sparkle.  Rio Alto Peak overlooks the basin below.  For those craving more, a less traveled trail climbs even higher towards Jeanne Lake.  A noticeable absence of sound allows for true peace of mind.  Wilderness at its finest!

This hike begins with a short walk along the Rainbow Trail that parallels the wide-open Wet Mountain Valley.  Aged and worn down, ponderosa pines reach for the skies near our starting elevation of 9,200’.  Whispering tunnels of aspen are music to the ears as we hike alongside Swift Creek.  With a careful eye, you can even spot a peaceful waterfall.  High above the creek, Spread Eagle Peak stretches out in a powerful display of tectonic activity.  Natural spring waters trickle down granite walls and feed abundant greenery.  The new growth throughout this hike is comforting.  Thousands of young pine and spruce growing up together outnumber the dead standing ones.  Several switchbacks near fields of scree bring us within reach of the first lake.  Resting amid tree line at 11,500’, The Lakes of the Clouds offer some of the greatest backcountry campsites imaginable.  Runoff from basin walls feed into one spectacular waterfall.  The sound alone washes away all worry.  Each lake captures its own reflections of the mountains and offers anyone a front row seat to one of the finest shows on earth.