 |
Grizzly Lake (Grizzly Gulch) ...
Grizzly Lake is located approximately 2.5 miles south of St. Elmo, Colorado. A 4-wheel drive road and trail
travel up into Grizzly Gulch beginning at "Hancock Road" (the road that leads to Romley and Hancock).
The lake is popular for fishing and hikers can continue farther into the gulch. Beautiful views
of mountains, aspen groves and some historic remains of past mining are common in the gulch.
Hike to Grizzly Lake (July 2008) |
 |
Poplar Gulch Trail ...
The trailhead is located on the northwest end of St. Elmo, Colorado, approximately 0.2
miles up the road toward Tincup Pass Road. It is approximately three miles one way to the top of the unnamed pass.
There are large aspen groves near the beginning of the steep trail, a pretty meadow, following by one final
portion above timberline.
Poplar Gulch Trail (June 2008) |
 |
Davis Meadow Trail ...
The Davis Meadow Trail is a newly created trail in the Four Mile Area northeast of Buena Vista.
There are many aspen groves and grand views of the Collegiate Peaks on the west side of
the trail. To get there, take Chaffee County Road 311 (from Trout Creek Pass) across Chubb Park.
Continue a few more miles and Road 311D (4-wheel drive only) leads to the trailhead.
Davis Meadow Trail (June 2008) |
 |
Sugarloaf Mountain (Near Nathrop, CO) ...
Sugarloaf Mountain is the prominent peak NE of the town of Nathrop.
You really can't miss it as you drive along Highway 285 in and around Nathrop. There is not an actual trail
to this peak, but from Arnold Gulch, it is only a 30-minute ascent to the summit. Definitely bring a good
topographical map with you, because you will need to climb the NNE ridge of this mountain.
Much of the rest of the mountain has fairly steep grades. Directions:
Near the Fisherman's Bridge point on the Arkansas River, take Chaffee County Road 300 west toward the sign for Arnold Gulch. There is a sign that reads "private property" which it is, but in the summer,
this area is well-populated campground for rafting guides who work here during the summer.
Sugarloaf Mountain (June 2008) |
 |
Bald Mountain (NNE of Mt. Princeton) ...
Bald Mountain is located NNE of Mt. Princeton and is accessible
from the Colorado Trail or Chaffee County Road 345. It took me one hour and 15 minutes to walk
up the dirt road (C.R. 345) to its summit at 9,825 feet.
There are grand views of Mt. Princeton throughout much of the hike, but admittedly,
there are unsightly cell phone towers at the top.
Bald Mountain Hike (May 2008) |
 |
Ruby Mountain (Near Nathrop, CO) ...
Ruby Mountain is a small mountain east of Nathrop across from the Arkansas River.
Standing at approximately 8,200 feet, it is a relatively easy hike to the summit with the
trailhead situated close to the Ruby Mountain Campground area. The morning views of the Collegiate Peaks are
very beautiful at the top of this mountain area that once was active with mining activity.
Steve's Hike Of Ruby Mountain |
 |
Lost Lake ...
Lost Lake is small lake with grand mountain views located approximately
one mile from Cottonwood Pass Road near the Continental Divide.
It is considered a popular spot for those who enjoy fishing in small,
high altitude lakes. Click the Lost Lake link directly below for more specific directions.
Colorado Guy's Hike of Lost Lake |
 |
Historic Railroad Grade in Chalk Creek Canyon ...
A portion of the old railroad grade that traveled from Nathrop to St. Elmo and points west has become popular for mountain biking and hiking. The trail offers very scenic views of the canyon and mountains of the area. The trailhead is located on Chaffee County Road 162, practically across from the Cascade Falls parking area (just west of Agnes Vaille Falls).
Photos of Trail and Scenery (May 2007) |
 |
Whipple Trail ...
The Whipple Trail is one of the most moderate trails in the area. The trailhead is
located at the town park at the end of East Main Street. The trail begins at the bridge over the Arkansas
River and travels uphill towards the old Midland Railroad grade. From a photography standpoint, this trail
is best to be hiked in the morning, when the sun from the east hits the Collegiate Peaks to the west.
Colorado Guy's Hike of Whipple Trail |
 |
Midland Hill Trail ...
The Midland Hill Trail begins at Chaffee County Road 304
(the old railroad grade) near where the Whipple Trail reaches this same road. It is a well-maintained trail leading to the tallest peak among Midland Hill - the pinion-covered hills east of Buena Vista.
Photos of Midland Hill Trail
Midland Hill (My Second Hike - April 2008) |
 |
Colorado Trail ...
The Colorado Trail is a 250-mile trail beginning near Denver and ending
near Durango. A long stretch of the Colorado Trail runs north-south through Chaffee County
on the east side of the Sahwatch Mountain range. The nearest access to the trailheads from Buena Vista
exist inside Cottonwood Canyon.
Cottonwood Pass Road To Near Deer Mountain "Saddle"
Cottonwood Pass Road To Cottonwood Lake Road
Cottonwood Lake Road To Mt. Princeton Hot Springs |
 |
Mt. Princeton Road & Trail ...
A much more challenging but rewarding hike is reaching the summit of Mt. Princeton, one of Colorado's 54 "14ers."
14ers Information For Hiking Mt. Princeton |
 |
Denny Creek Trail (to Mt. Yale summit, Hartenstein Lake, Browns Pass) ...
The Denny Creek Trailhead is located on Chaffee County Road 306 (sometimes referred to as "Cottonwood Pass Road")
approximately eleven miles west of Buena Vista. The trail travels through the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness and has spurs leading to Hartenstein Lake, Browns Pass and the summit of Mt. Yale.
Denny Creek Trail To Mt. Yale (May 2006)
Snowy Hike Of Lower Portion of Trail
Mt. Yale - Standard Route (July 2007)
Hartenstein Lake |
 |
Ptarmigan Lake ...
Ptarmigan Lake is a scenic, 3.3 one-way mile hike to an area of small lakes near timberline.
This trailhead is located approximately 13 miles west of Buena Vista on Chaffee County Road 306
(sometimes referred to as "Cottonwood Pass Road.")
Ptarmigan Lake Hike - September 2007 |
 |
Agnes Vaille Falls ...
The hike to Agnes Vaille Falls is a short 0.5 mile from the trailhead. It is located
on Chaffee County Road 162 west of Nathrop and the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs.
Myself (April 2006)
With Scott (August 2006)
With Ron (November 2006) |
 |
Turner Peak ...
Turner Peak is a "13er" located east of Cottonwood Pass.
This mountain would be a good option for experienced mountaineers who want to
avoid the crowds that many "14ers" receive on a given summer day. Some scrambling is required near the summit.
Turner Peak |
 |
Unnamed Peak, south of Cottonwood Pass ...
From the Cottonwood Pass summit, there is a scenic hike to an unnamed peak approximately 0.5 miles south of Cottonwood Pass.
Hike in 2006
Hike in 2007 |
 |
Hikes In Clear Creek Canyon ...
Approximately 15 miles north of Buena Vista is Clear Creek Reservoir and the canyon known as
Clear Creek Canyon. The "ghost towns" of Vicksburg, Winfield and Hamilton exist inside
this mountainous area. Below are hikes I have enjoyed in this particular region of north Chaffee County.
Mt. Belford (Missouri Gulch Trail)
Huron Peak |
