Columbine Lake via Caribou Pass Hike

Columbine Lake via Caribou Pass Hike is a great introductory hike in the Indian Peaks WIlderness. The trailhead for the hike off of Country Road 84, which is very rough and has plenty of potholes. Low clearance vehicles may have trouble navigating the road. Go slow and take a vehicle with high ground clearance when possible. Once you park and start the hike do not be surprised if you come across fallen trees, storms and high winds often down them in this area. Additionally, this trail is very rocky with plenty of exposed roots, so wear appropriate shoes. We’d also recommend bringing bug spray, this trail is notoriously buggy!

Begin this hike from the Junco Lake Trailhead. Head east on the High Lonesome Trail and it will shortly merge onto the Caribou Pass Trail. This path will follow along the curves of the Meadow Creek and gain elevation as you progress. Continue through the wooded trail and past the vast meadow before you encounter a fork in the road. Veer right onto Columbine Lake Trail. This path will guide you back into the forest and the terrain will get increasingly rugged as you get closer to the lake. Mind your footing as you navigate the rock field before arriving at Columbine Lake. The gorgeous alpine lake is a reward in itself, but the views of the surrounding peaks are a bonus. You will get an up close and personal view of Mount Neva in the southeast, and views of Satanta Peak in the north!

Explore the shoreline and enjoy the scenery before retracting your steps and heading back. As you descend, ensure to stay left at the first junction and straight at the second.