Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest
Columbine Lake Trail #11.1

The Columbine Lake Trail is about 2.8 miles long (one way) and is heavily used from June through October (open year round). Rating: More Difficult.

Elevations:

• Trailhead: 10,000'
• Columbine Lake: 11,000'

USGS Maps: Monarch Lake Quad

Trailhead Location: Head north on U.S. Highway 40 from Fraser and turn right (east) onto County Road 83. When the road forks go left onto County Road 84. Follow this road for 10.5 miles, then turn left on the road to the Junco Lake Trailhead.

This is a very popular day hike. It follows an old jeep trail until it reaches the junction with the Caribou Pass Trail at 1.7 miles. As the Caribou Pass Trail splits away, the Columbine Lake Trail continues along the creek to its source at Columbine Lake. This tree-lined lake is nestled in a steep basin on the northwest face of Mount Neva. Campfires are prohibited at Columbine Lake to protect the delicate nature of the alpine tundra.

Columbine Lake is in the Indian Peaks Wilderness area so if you bring your dog with you, remember that your dog needs to be on a leash here. This trail is in the Arapaho National Recreation Area (ANRA) which requires a day-use fee or display of your golden passport on the dashboard of your vehicle. If you are camping overnight in the wilderness, then only a wilderness permit is required. Just leave the parking stub from the wilderness permit on the dashboard of your vehicle in the parking lot.