Camp at Columbine Lake
Ophir, Colorado
Details
Distance
7 miles
Elevation Gain
2347 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Shaianne Ganey
The hike up to Columbine Lake is a grueling 7 mile out and back hike that gains 2,347 feet in elevation, 2,000 of which are in the first 2 miles. The water is crystal blue, and the camping is amazing.
Just Northwest of Silverton, CO, turn off onto FS679(also known as Ophir Pass), and then turn right onto FS820(the first right after crossing Mineral Creek). The trail head is less than a mile down this road. You'll begin by climbing through a pine forest for 1.3 miles, during which time you'll gain 1100 feet in elevation. As the pines begin to clear, the view of the alpine meadow fed by the mill creek drainage will come into view. The trail will rise up above the meadow and take you across scree fields as it banks to the right, climbing another 900 feet before it reaches the saddle at 2 miles. Turn around and look back towards the meadow for panoramic views of the San Juans. At this point the trail traverses a north facing slope, and will still have snow patches even in late summer. Follow the trail up past the mill creek drainage off to your right(you'll know it when you see it, as the ground looks like to drops off into nothingness). After another mile the trail will meet up with Mill Creek and follow it the rest of the way to the lake. Once at the lake you can take a right and follow the shore around to a secluded camping spot beneath Lookout Peak, or take a left and follow the shore around to an open peninsula. These both make great camping spots.
If you're curious as to what's around you, you can follow the trail to the right from the creek drainage and with a little bit of route finding, climb for a mile up to Columbine Pass. From here there will be views of Telluride, Mt.Sneffels, and the Sneffels Range.
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