Hiking to Horseshoe Lake

Since this is in the Enchantments, you’ll need a permit for overnight camping between June 15 and October 15.

Depart the Lake Stuart Trailhead and follow rolling trail along Mountaineer Creek for 2.2 miles. The trail flattens out as you arrive at a junction. Hikers occasionally make a wrong turn here, so be sure to take a look at the trees to your right. Signs indicate Colchuck Lake is reached via the trail to the left, and Lake Stuart lies down the trail to the right, rolling out ahead of you on an almost flat grade.

Lake Stuart lies 2 miles away, and includes some sections of moderate climbing, but for the most part, you’ll enjoy a relatively flat stroll back into the valley that holds Lake Stuart. While much of your hike is through second-growth forest, a large meadow about a half mile from Lake Stuart offers expansive views of the valley at the foot of Mount Stuart. It’s worth a short break for a photo, if nothing else.

From Lake Stuart, follow the lakeshore trail and pass several campsites before delving into denser forest. A rough path is relatively easy to follow, though the many downed trees that cross the trail can be frustrating, and, when wet, slippery and dangerous. Take your time and watch your step here when it’s raining or if the wood is wet.

The trail winds in and out of the forest for two miles, dipping into a marshy meadow at the head of the valley before ultimately heading back into the forest. You’re looking for a tree with a horseshoe nailed to it roughly six feet from the ground. Keep a sharp eye out, since the horseshoe is as brown as much of the surrounding forest, and thus can be hard to spot.

But once you see it, the trail beyond is fairly evident. Taking off up the hillside, it’s a no-nonsense route that climbs essentially straight up, keeping the outlet creek of Horseshoe Lake to your left for about half the climb. About a third of the way up, you’ll cross the creek twice to keep the trail, and about halfway you’ll cross it a final time.

Watch your footing the entire way up, as the trail is rooty, rocky, and sometimes so straight up that it’s more like climbing a ladder than hiking uphill. Grus, or crumbled granite, can make for slippery conditions on trail, particularly where you’re hiking on larger granite slabs. The final push to the lake is nearly vertical; a thigh burner going up and one that calls for extra caution descending.

Driving Directions: Drive Hwy 2 to milepost 99, found on the western edge of the Bavarian village of Leavenworth. Turn south onto Icicle Creek Road, paved with the occasional treacherous pothole (keep an eye out!)

Turn left after 8.5 miles onto Eightmile Road, and continue on this dirt road for 3.8 miles to a large parking lot and the trailhead. The trail becomes washboarded as the season progresses, so high clearance vehicles are recommended. A toilet is available at the trailhead.

Tip: In autumn, the larches here are gorgeous, lining the hillsides with golden light in the evenings. Don't forget your camera.