Columbine Lake via Oscars Pass

Ophir Pass (el. 11,114’), officially known as Forest Service Road #630, is one of the easiest of the high alpine trails in the San Juan mountains, but still can provide trouble to the inexperienced or when bad weather is present, particularly on the western/Ophir downhill side. The pass and road are typically open only in the summer, and runs between State Highway 145 (near Telluride) and Highw...

The road to Clear Lake offers wonderful views of the South Fork Mineral Creek, and the San Juan Mountains. Some people make the 9-mile round-trip hike with 2,600 feet of elevation gain, others drive as far as their vehicle will allow and hike from there, and some make the drive all the way up. It is not really a technical drive, but it is not for the faint of heart, and it does require a high-c...

Note: Camping is permitted around the lake. For more information, head to the US Forest Service website.From the Mountain Village near Telluride, drive south on CO 145 toward Lizard Head pass. A few miles before you reach the turnoff for Ophir, there's a brown forest service sign for Alta Lakes on your right, and a dirt road immediately after to your left. Turn left and follow the main dirt ro...

Alta Ghost Town is located about 10 miles from Telluride on Alta Lakes Road. Take the rugged dirt road approximately 2 miles until the ghost town appears on the left. Hike up the short trail to view the remnants of the old mining town with many of the buildings still standing, including the impressive boarding house. The Alta townsite came into existence after gold was discovered in the area an...

Just north of Silverton, CO, lies the South Mineral Valley which is reachable down a well maintained, and paved dirt road and ends in the South Mineral Campground. The hike starts out with a sweat generating 1500+ feet of gain over its first two miles. However, there are numerous spots to stop and cool off with near constant mist from a sizable waterfall that will be to your right for much of ...

Begin by hiking the Ice Lakes Trail for 3.5 miles, which will take you to Ice Lake. From here, you can identify the obvious, delta-shaped mountain to climber's left, known as Fuller Peak (13,761ft). Hike cross country, directly toward the base of the North Ridge (right skyline), walking past Fuller Lake. Pass under the cliff band and gain the North Ridge. Climb over easy ledges to the summit.Yo...