Hiking the Columbine Lake Trail in Silverton, Colorado
Distance: 8.3 miles / 13.4 km
The Columbine Lake Trail in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado is one of the most beautiful day hikes off the scenic Million Dollar Highway.
That being said, it’s important to note that Columbine Lake is higher in elevation than both of the Ice Lakes, the nearby sister trail, at about 12,700 ft. (3,871 m).
Therefore, the Columbine Lake Trail may present challenges to those who are driving up from a lower elevation. However, if you think you’re up for this amazing adventure, I highly recommend putting it on your bucket list—especially if you’re visiting nearby areas, such as Moab or Black Canyon.
Ice & Island Lake vs. Columbine Lake
I have been fortunate enough to hike both the Ice and Island Lake Trail, as well as the Columbine Lake Trail.
In my opinion, I enjoyed the Columbine Lake Trail a little more because I felt that the hike, as well as the lake itself, was more beautiful.
However, this is just one person’s opinion, and saying this is truly splitting hairs, as both trails are truly stunning!
Read My Separate Post: Ice & Island Lake Trail
Columbine Lake Trailhead Parking
Parking for Columbine Lake is located just off of the Million Dollar Highway, 18 miles (29.0 km) south of Ouray, CO.
That being said, low-clearance vehicles typically do not park at the true trailhead because of the road’s poor condition.
Instead, parking at the area shown below is more typical and only adds about 0.6 miles (1.0 km) each way along Forest Road 820 to reach the Columbine Lake Trailhead.
Google Maps Directions: Columbine Lake Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - San Juan Mountains
Obviously, for camping, you will need general backpacking gear. For this reason, I wrote a separate post about what backpacking gear is worth the money, from my experience, and what the best alternatives are to save you money.
Read My Separate Post: Best Ultralight Backpacking Gear
In addition, here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in the San Juan Mountains.
Hiking the Columbine Lake Trail
From lower parking area, our hike began up Forest Road 679 & 820 to get to the start of the true Columbine Lake Trailhead, located 0.6 miles (1.0 km) away.
Then, just as our day began, we encountered three moose near the trailhead, which is why it’s always important to know what to do in the event of an unexpected encounter.
Columbine Lake Trailhead
Once we were on Trail #509, the Columbine Lake Trail, we began climbing the roughly 13 switchbacks—depending on how you count—for about 2 miles (3.2 km) until we broke above the tree line.
These switchbacks are fairly steep, and it may be difficult for some people if you’re not ready for the elevation, which begins at about 10,000 ft. (3,048 m) from the trailhead.
At just under 2 miles (3.2 km), tree line ended right around 11,500 ft. (3,505 m), with yet a few miles to go before reaching Columbine Lake.
For this reason, I recommend hiking in a quality sun shirt because even with sunscreen, it’s much easier to burn at these higher elevations.
Once you’re above tree line, the trail continues to climb near the same steep grade until you make it through the unnamed pass.
It was near the pass that we encountered our first snow patch in late June.
Additional Early Season Gear
Depending on the winter snowpack and time of the year that you are visiting, micro-spikes may be necessary, as the trail reaches these more exposed sections of the hike.
This is because upper-elevation trails, like the Columbine Lake Trail, can be covered in snow well into June, making these sections extremely dangerous when they are snowy and icy.
I personally use the Yaktrax below.
Once at the pass, the trail levels out significantly, and there is only about 200 ft. (61 m) of additional elevation to climb before Columbine Lake, meaning the most strenuous part of the hike is behind you!
In my opinion, the last 1.2 miles (1.9 km) of the Columbine Lake Trail was the most beautiful section.
Columbine Lake
Columbine Lake is located right at 12,700 ft. (3,871 m), making the total adventure a little under 3,000 ft. (914 m) of climbing.
In any case, I noticed one group hiking up with fishing gear, but I couldn’t speak to how good the fishing is. That said, other reports make mention of the lake holding rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout, with brook trout being the best to catch.
My Print - Columbine Lake
