Join Darlene Liss, volunteer Forest Ambassador, on Wednesdays at the Maroon Bells Visitor Center for hands-on exploration
of wild things.

Take the Forest Conservancy Conservation Pledge to earn a Smokey Bear Junior Ranger pin.
 
DO YOU LIKE TO SHOP?
Click here to find out how you can support
the Forest Conservancy while you shop!
about us   |   volunteering   |   find a trail   |   e-naturalist cafe   |   quick links
Columbines
Smokey Bear educates the public about preventing forest fires.
AVALANCHE LAKE #1959
Back to the trails list
 
Trail: Avalanche Lake #1959
Region: Crystal River Valley
Difficulty: moderate
Description: This trail runs along the cold, clear waters of Avalanche Creek for 11 miles and ends at Avalanche Lake. It is an enjoyable two or three day trip and yet some folks have been known to do it in one day. This route is moderately to heavily used and runs through aspen and conifer stands with flower-filled meadows throughout the trip. Periodically the vistas of Capitol, Clark and other peaks of the Elk Mountains will come into view. There are fine camping spots all along the route (stay 100 ft. from trail, streams and lakes) and fishing for native cutthroat trout is possible in the lake and the creek. The final two miles to Avalanche Lake is steep and camping is better right below the lake than at it. If you want to get to Capitol Lake, you will find the trail junction approximately 1/2 mile after you climbed the switchbacks. From the junction it is a steep one mile climb to Capitol Lake. To get to Silver Creek Pass, take the trail junction to the right a little more than 1/4 mile from the lake. The first mile is very steep but there are great views once you get up there.
Directions: From Carbondale, drive 12.5 miles south on Hwy 133. Turn left at Avalanche Creek sign and follow 2.5 miles past campground to the trailhead parking lot at the southeast end of campground.
Map: USGS Capitol Peak, Redstone


 
 

Home  |   About Us  |   Volunteering  |   E-Naturalist Café  |   Support the Forest Conservancy  |   Contact Us  |   Site Map
THE FOREST CONSERVANCY • 1012 Brookie Drive, Carbondale, CO 81623 • 970-963-8071

Site Design by: Unleashed Designs