Green Lake via Carbon Trail

For those hikers based out of Crested Butte that are after a fun, intermediate-length route with beautifully scenic views of an alpine lake and nearby mountains, the Green Lake via Carbon Trail is a fantastic option to take in the beauty of the Elk Mountains.

Setting out from the trailhead, you will make your way south across Coal Creek to enter into the dense cover of the forest. Here, you will begin the steep ascent of the mountainside along a switchbacking trail that will primarily pass through woodland terrain, although there will be a few small meadows dispersed along the trail.

After slogging your way uphill through the forest, you will arrive at the beautifully scenic shores of Green Lake and the imposing Mount Axtell situated just behind it. After spending some time in this picturesque setting, you will simply make your way back down the hillside along the same trail in order to return to the trailhead.