Trail Information and Road Conditions | Castle Creek Valley

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AMERICAN LAKE #1985

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Trail: American Lake #1985

Region: Castle Creek Valley

Difficulty: difficult

Description: The trail rises steeply, switchbacking through the aspen for about 1-1/2 miles before reaching a spruce forest. From this point to the lake the trail levels with periodic ascents of an easy to moderate grade. On a rainy day the forest aroma is delightful. The trail continues its ascent intermittently passing through forest and meadows that are ablaze with wild flowers from mid-July to mid-August. Approximately 1/2 mile before the lake, the trail emerges into a fantastic wildflower oasis surrounded by scree. It briefly re-enters the forest before it crosses another large scree field with sounds of a waterfall just ahead and to the left. The lake is just beyond.

Directions: From roundabout, take Castle Creek Road and drive 10 miles to Elk Mtn Lodge, and turn right into American Lake parking lot where trail begins.

Map: USGS Hayden Peak

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