Hope Lake Trail is one of the most sought-after trails near Telluride, CO, and we had the pleasure of finding out why. Loved it!
High peaks hover above us as we hike through green lush forests, crossing creeks, views all around, and a beautiful alpine lake high above the treeline in a basin lined with 13ers. A true Colorado experience.
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TRAILHEAD
We started hiking deep into a forest of fir and spruce, on a gentle path, then crossing a creek in Poverty Gulch where views of San Miguel Peak and Sheep Mountain started to appear. The first of many views to come!
THE SUN IS JUST BEGINNING TO COME UP OVER THE PEAKS
It’s early and the sun is just beginning to come up above the peaks. Hiking still on a gentle incline over rock slides and rock paths with a terrain showing the beginnings of the fall season. So far we have not run into another hiker, it’s quiet, chilly, and beautiful.
HEADING UP NOW TO HOPE LAKE
Coming upon a signpost that said Hope Lake with an arrow, the trail becomes much more moderate with switchbacks going up and up for about 900 ft in elevation in a short distance.
The sun is fully up now and it’s warm and perfect.
First through the forest with intermittent views of “oh so many peaks”.
ABOVE TREELINE
Opening up to the high alpine tundra just before reaching Hope Lake, looking back, to the sides and everywhere, views! Feeling very grateful and totally in awe.
Having the appropriate gear when hiking on any trail in Colorado is essential! CLICK HERE> for practical gear that we love at Crazy About Colorado and have in our backpacks on every hike.
Crossing across the top about a 1/4 mile we found Hope Lake. Crystal clear, green-blue, sitting in a basin just below San Miguel Peak (13er).
A trail leading high above the lake to our left goes to Unnamed Pass adding another mile if desired.
VIEWS HEADING BACK DOWN
Hiking back down took us by surprise as we viewed Vermillion Peak with all its colors, I’ve never seen anything like it. The sun caused different shades of rust and purple as we hiked down.
While hiking back down, the views of Mt. Wilson 14er and Lizard Head Peak far to the west kept me stumbling while trying to look and hike!
It’s September and the wildflowers have passed and the golds and reds have appeared. I have heard that in the summer months the wildflowers are waist high and spectacular. However, having no threat of rain, hail, or lightning in the Fall season is pretty nice too!
BE READY FOR HIGH ALTITUDE
Rated moderate, this hike really is gentle until the very last mile before reaching the lake. If new to hiking or new to Colorado be mindful that this trail starts at a high altitude.
TROUT LAKE – RELAX HERE!
On the drive to Hope Lake Trailhead, you passed Trout Lake, one of the prettiest lakes in Colorado! Bring a paddleboard, or a kayak, or rent one and enjoy a relaxing break after your hike.
TIDBITS
5.3 mile out and back
Rated: moderate
Start Elevation: 10,750 ft.
Lake Elevation: 11,880 ft.
Open to hiking, horseback
Closest town: Telluride, CO
No restroom
Busy in summer, popular
Known for wildflowers
Dispersed camping along FR #627
The National Forest Service has a cabin near Telluride to rent in the winter only “Matterhorn Cabin”. Might be of interest to someone!
LOCATION
Just before reaching the town of Telluride – turn right on State Hwy 145, and go approx.10 miles. Take a left at the road sign for Trout Lake (FR #626 / North Trout Lake Road). Travel FR #626 for about a mile and turn left onto FR #627. Here the road becomes rougher and a high clearance vehicle is recommended. Go 2.5 miles to the Trailhead. NOTE: We found the road easy and a smaller car could make it if careful. However, checking online for other hiking reports close to your time to go would be beneficial. (alltrails.com is a good one). Weather is always a factor in road conditions!
HIKES NEARBY
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