Badger Valley to Grand Lake and Grand Pass

Badger Valley to Grand Lake and Grand Pass is grand indeed, making for a gorgeous day trip or a perfect quick backpacking adventure. Some side trails on this route offer the chance to explore a bit further, and we recommend planning to take your time in this area. Poles are helpful on this hike.

We recommend hiking clockwise on this loop. Going counterclockwise makes for an arduous long ascent.

Begin from the trailhead underneath Obstruction Peak, which has restrooms. To go clockwise, take the trail on your left, and then stay right at the first junction. You’ll descend a few rocky switchbacks to drop down into the river valley. Stay right at the junction just after the creek crossing.

The route is fairly straightforward, dropping and descending south to cross two streams as you approach Grand Lake. From the lake, you’ll want to go north around the foot of the ridge to some narrow switchbacks. Gain elevation here before evening out, staying right at the junction. After that, it’s smooth sailing past small lakes through the basin, where you’ll find yourself back at the trailhead soon enough.