This beautiful reflection makes it one of the most scenic views in Colorado. These permits may be issued to individuals as “Special Recreation Permits.” Note there are many social trails between the lakes, and it's possible to become disoriented. This includes sleeping in your car. In a state that does not lack for breathtaking mountains, many of which are taller than 14,000 ft (4,267 m), it is notable that Lone Eagle Peak has been called Colorado’s most picturesque mountain. This is only for experienced hikers and is very strenuous, making it ideal for a multi-day backcountry trip. There are A LOT of moose in the area (we saw 5 on the trail) so this is as much for your dog’s safety as it is for others. I eventually made it to Crater Lake around 9 AM, just in time to get some photos of first light on Friday after work I took off for the west side of Indian Peaks Wilderness near Lake Granby with my father in-law (Jim) and my dog (Milo). With 12 sites, they each offer something a little different. Ascending to the top was challenging because of the slippery trail. Always bring a printed map and compass for a backup. I talked to a ranger on the phone for Indian Peaks and they will sell permits via phone and credit card, but I need to know which zones I want to camp in. The wildflowers peak in July, making the scenery simply unbelievable. I’ve spent plenty of time across the countless wilderness areas in Colorado. It costs $5 to park for the day and you can pay on your way in at one of the many fee kiosks. There are 12 backcountry campsites nearby, if you snag a permit, you’ll be assigned one. I did the approach from the west both times I have made a run at this peak and it is a beautiful hike (though I have only seen it once in daylight)! Don’t get caught exposed by starting early. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. When the summit was first reached in 1930, the mountain was called Lindbergh Peak, which may be related to aviator Charles Lindbergh’s first solo transatlantic flight in 1927. The couloir resides below the “Limbo” peak that is between Iroquois and Lone Eagle Peak. Fish at Monarch Lake. First, the campsites can be a little tough to find, so plan on spending a few minutes navigating the web of social trails. I love hearing from my community about all the badass adventures. Overall, the trail trends uphill, but it isn’t as grueling as say, one of Colorado’s 14ers. There are several rules to keep in mind – and there is literally a ranger around every bend to enforce them. However, camping in your car is prohibited at the Monarch Lake Trailhead. Lone Eagle Peak Routes : SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering A number of designated campsites ring the small lake. Wait stop! Visiting Lone Eagle Peak requires an extremely long day hike or an overnight, but it’s certainly worth the effort to visit this fantastic piece of Colorado scenery. It’s about a two-hour drive from Denver. Fun (said no one)! Lone Eagle Peak is hands-down the most photogenic mountain in Colorado, but it takes a little effort to get there. It was windy when we did the hike. One last batch of switchbacks finds the final 300 feet in .9 miles to level at Mirror Lake. I did this hike several years ago, and we admire the mesmerizing reflection of the mountain a lot. Lone Eagle Peak has forever been imprinted in my mind as one of the most awe inspiring Peaks in Colorado. Black bears and Elk are also fairly common in the Lone Eagle Peak area so be careful and be responsible with food. The higher we climb, the more remarkable scenery we see. I can’t stress this enough, but compared to other areas in Colorado, this place is crawling with park rangers. The Lone Eagle Peak hike from Cascade Creek to Crater Lake is long but well worth it for the breathtaking views of Lone Eagle Peak. Lone Eagle Peak (or Crater Lake) is located on the western side of Indian Peaks Wilderness – one of my favorite places in Colorado (hard to pick a fav!). Camping permits are required to stay overnight at Lone Eagle Peak. The trail gains elevation on moderate switchbacks for a while, and then it’ll begin to follow Cascade Creek. Steven Bratman. Best to go early to avoid them. The name was later changed to Lone Eagle Peak, after one of Lindbergh’s nicknames, “The Lone Eagle.”. The mighty mountains of Colorado hold snow until mid to late June and start to get cold in October. It has remarkable snow-peaked mountains, pine trees, and incredible lake. There are plenty of spots to grab water on the way. Fair Glacier is to the lake’s left and Peck Glacier is to the right. A final push up steep switchbacks places you directly in front of Lone Eagle Peak and Mirror Lake. Lone Eagle Peak is the towering pinnacle just south of and above the lake. These permits contain specific terms and conditions that the permit holder must follow. Permits required in Indian Peaks and no permits required in James Peak. There are signs everywhere that say you can only camp in designated areas, but there are no signs that strictly say you cannot camp or sleep in your car in the parking lot. Add Route to Lone Eagle Peak: Create New Attach Existing. If you park your car at the trailhead, that’s $5. Lone Eagle Peak in Colorado is most well known for hiking and backpacking, but there are a few other things to do. This couloir immediately catches the eye of any ski mountaineer, and it is one of the best pure couloir climbs and descents on the Front Range. Permits are limited and must be obtained in advance for camping dates 6/1-9/15. Lone Eagle Peak Mt. Lone Eagle Peak is a rugged hike, but it’s also one of the best hikes in Colorado. Search Routes near: Washington, United States. If you feel adventurous, the Lone Eagle Peak hike is a long and rugged trail. Just one-quarter mile beyond Mirror Lake, you’ll find Crater Lake. Continuing along the Lone Eagle Peak trail, you gain additional elevation as the valley opens up to reveal breathtaking views of the mountain range as well as multiple waterfalls. This couloir immediately catches the eye of any ski mountaineer, and it is one of the best pure couloir climbs and descents on the Front Range. That is not the case in Indian Peaks Wilderness. Lone Eagle Peak soon comes into view. No spam. Sites 1, 11, and 12 arguably have the best views of Lone Eagle Peak. Practice proper Leave No Trace and keep it better than you found it. Have $5 in cash with you in case rangers aren’t available to make change. (camping permit can be purchased at the ranger’s station next to Monarch Lake Trailhead). Thunderstorms often plague the afternoons in the summer. You can also enjoy backcountry camping at Crater Lake since this is one of the best campsites in the area. Tips and other info: -Go to Grand Lake not Estes Park to get your back country The trail appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake which is a small lake with Lone Eagle Peak in the background. Though permits are only required if you plan on camping by Lone Eagle Peak between June 1 st and September 15 th, it’s a key part of heading out to this area that you’ll want to be aware of. Almost all of the campsites at Lone Eagle Peak are located near rock outcroppings. Prepare for traveling over rocks, roots and even shallow water runoff streams. Lone Eagle’s pointy summit is commanding and intimidating to the average hiker. Permits go live on January 2nd for this time frame every year. I’d recommend getting an early start (before 8 am) if you want to hike to Lone Eagle Peak. You also don’t need a permit if you’re only heading to Lone Eagle Peak for a day trip. I absolutely love it. Your dog must be leashed at all times. Not to be confused with the famous Crater Lake in Oregon, or any of the other lakes with the same name, Crater Lake in Indian Peaks is a bowl-shaped lake that also offers spectacular views of Lone Eagle Peak. The couloir resides below the “Limbo” peak that is between Iroquois and Lone Eagle Peak. Each has a sign that’s marked with a number, so you’ll know when you’re in the right place. It was tremendously awesome. Marvelous hike featuring numerous waterfalls and beautiful landscapes. Hike through a basin without trails but full of flowers, wildlife, and scenic mountains to explore. However, we paid for a three-day pass, even though we were only there to do the day hike. Lone Eagle Peak is the prize so take plenty of breaks and keep going until you reach Crater Lake. NOTE: This area requires permits for camping throughout most of the summer, please check with the USFS for details. Backpack to one of the most iconic spots in all of Colorado (mirror lake below Lone Eagle Peak). We bumped into 5 moose, including a mom with twins, which although cute, is very nerve-wracking since mamma moose are highly aggressive. For more information visit Wikipedia – Lone Eagle Peak . Dave Hodge. Try to have cash handy just in case a park ranger doesn’t have change. You’ll want at least 2 liters of water for the hike, and you can fill up with a water filter along the way. Crater Lake probably only has a few small fish, but Monarch Lake has a bit more to offer anglers. View Larger Map of Lone Eagle Peak. A stunning Lone Eagle Peak is one of the Indian Peaks of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. Is the hike 6-8 hours one way or out and back? It was well worth it. Climb Lone Eagle Peak. Lone Eagle Peak had been on my list for a while. It’s actually nearly unbearable to be outside at the start of the trail. Permits are required for the Arapaho National Forest between June 1 and September 15. We arrived late at night and gambled. It’s just beautiful the entire length of the trail. This hike has a great mix of scenery and culminates with a spectacular view of Lone Eagle Peak towering over Crater Lake. It encompasses 73,391 acres with over 50 lakes, 28 trails covering 133 miles, and six passes across the Continental Divide. Cascade falls was the most impressive waterfall among the other falls I've seen. However, an advanced reservation is required if you plan on backpacking to the peak between June 1st and September 15th. Also along the trail, be aware that there is an abundance of wildlife in this area; moose, elk, and black bears are some of the more common. Also a great option for an overnight. The permit is 5 dollars per group, whether it is a one night or a week long trip. Since the round trip distance to Lone Eagle Peak is over 14 miles, many people backpack in to break up the trip. Very worth it. Lone Eagle Peak, though a mere 11,900 feet high, is one of the most remote and beautiful granite peaks in Colorado. Tell others where you are going and when you plan to get back. Lone Eagle Peak above Mirror Pond. It stands proudly at 11,900’. One last batch of switchbacks finds the final 300 feet in .9 miles to level at Mirror Lake. Afternoon rains are common in the mountains. It’s one of the best backpacking trips in Colorado and having the chance to spend the night near this iconic peak is a must-do! North Face Lone Eagle Peak. Permits are limited and must be obtained in advance for camping dates 6/1-9/15. Keep your distance and do not approach any moose – they spook easily and can charge! Once you pass Monarch Lake, the bugs disappear, but consider bringing a Buff or handkerchief to avoid breathing in bugs. A water filter. Overnight trips require a permit, so be sure to reserve yours in advance, since you are only allowed to camp in designated sites. The Monarch Lake Trailhead is huge, busy, and covered in gnats and bugs. You are required to pack out human waste. ;). Remember to always leave no trace and follow all the rules. The nearest town to the peak is Frasier in Grand County, Colorado, some 12.4 mi (19.9 km) away. We arrived around 8:30 am and had calm winds. Overnight permits are required to camp in the Indian Peaks backcountry. The Indian Peaks Wilderness was designated as a protected wilderness area in 1978 by an act of Congress and signed by Jimmy Carter.. Lone Eagle Peak and Crater Lake. Backpacking to Lone Eagle Peak This past weekend my wife and son were on the east coast visiting some friends and family. Backpacking Permits for Lone Eagle Peak. Interagency annual passes are also accepted. Early July you may have to manage deep river crossings and patches of snow, but in general, it’s a beautiful time to visit. Because Indian Peaks is a high traffic area, you’ll also need to obtain permits for your overnight trip. At this point, the tippy-top of the iconic Eagle Peak will be in view, so head towards Crater Lake, where the trail eventually ends at the water’s edge. The tranquil Mirror and Crater Lakes mark the end, sporting 12 designated campsites and stunning views of Lone Eagle Peak. There’s a tradeoff between seclusion and beauty at the backcountry campsites. Visitors to Mirror Lake, Colorado, have little doubt as to how this stunning body of water received its name. Lone Eagle Peak is one of the best hikes in Colorado. Check your inbox for instructions on your FREE Colorado packing list. Be “bear aware” and responsible with food. Lone Eagle Peak (or Crater Lake) is located on the western side of Indian […] The post backpacking to: lone eagle peak (crater lake) appeared first on crunchy kat explores. The main trail continues up the west side of Mirror Lake to Crater Lake (7.4 miles : 10,327'). Eventually, the road turns to dirt and you’ll continue on towards the Monarch Lake Trailhead. The views aren’t quite as spectacular from here, but still worth a visit. The Cascade Creek Trail is well marked, so it’s tough to get lost. Neva (12,814 ft.,), Haimovi Tower (12,220 ft.), Lone Eagle Peak (11,940 ft.), and Niwot Ridge. However, bare in mind that permits are only required for the Arapaho National Forest between June 1 and September 15. I'd be looking for three nights, (Thurs, Fri, Sat) over the 4th weekend. Lake Dorothy is a beautiful alpine lake at…, The hike on this high alpine trail leads you to an overlook of Arapaho Glacier and one of the best…, Today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. Take the Arapaho Bay Road exit along the southern side of Grand Lake. While you're waiting why not follow me on socials? This is an extreme activity that should only be attempted by seasoned climbers. It sits just west of the Continental Divide in the Indian Peaks near Pawnee Pass and is host to a classic Stettner route, the 5.7 north face, a must-do for the grade. If Lone Eagle Peak is Colorado’s most picturesque mountain, then a lake that is perfectly positioned to fully reflect this peak is well-worth the hike. Lone Eagle Peak, though a mere 11,900 feet high, is one of the most remote and beautiful granite peaks in Colorado. Backpacking to Lone Eagle Peak. Visit the Indian Peaks visitor website for more details. He is at the south-west part of the zoo, just south of the scorpion cage. There are plenty of kiosks to pay the day fee along this road. Just follow signs towards Cascade Creek towards Mirror and Crater Lake. Er ist besonders im Winter hübsch anzusehen, wenn der Schnee sich wie Puderzucker auf das Gestein des Gipfels legt Elevations in these wilderness areas vary from 8,400 to over 13,500 feet, from montane to sub-alpine and alpine lifezones. (12,945 ft.), Pawnee Peak (12,939 ft.), Jasper Peak (12,923 ft.), Elk Tooth (12,848 ft.), Mt. Talk to Charlie the zoo keeper at Ardougne Zoo. I’ve lived in Colorado for over 11 years, and this is still my favorite hike to date. A GPS with a map of your route. Just be sure to grab your permit in advance since they can run out fast! Afterward, head into Granby to snag a meal at these hot spots: There’s a variety of things to do around Lone Eagle Peak. Have you gotten your backcountry permit for Indian Peaks Wilderness area??? Touted as the most beautiful mountain in Colorado, Lone Eagle Peak is a striking mountain that appears to defy gravity. Lone Eagle Peak Weather (Days 0-3): The weather forecast for Lone Eagle Peak is: A light covering of new snow mostly falling on Sun morningTemperatures will be well below freezing (max -8°C on Tue morning, min -13°C on Sun morning)Winds decreasing (severe gales from the W on Sun morning, fresh winds from the W by Tue night). Mirror Lake is arguably one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado, so enjoy! This is a long hike that can be tough on the knees. Erhaben steht der 3633 Merter hohe und stolze Riese in der amerikanischen Wildnis. Rain gear. This is only for experienced hikers and is very strenuous, making it ideal for a multi-day backcountry trip. Published by at 27th December 2020. Fortunately, we got off lucky – this is typically a $100 fine! Paper applications take around 2 to 4 weeks to process, so be sure to have a date in mind well in advance in order to snag your coveted permit! The mountain was named in honor of aviator Charles Lindbergh who was often called a ‘lone eagle.’ The best time to hike this trail is from June until September. Overnight permits are required to camp in the Indian Peaks backcountry. The true high point was on the precariously balanced block I'm sitting on in the picture below. Lone Eagle Peak is a mountain summit in the Indian Peaks of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America.The 11,946-foot (3,641 m) peak is located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness of Arapaho National Forest, 12.4 miles (19.9 km) northeast by north (bearing 37°) of the Town of Fraser in Grand County, Colorado, United States.Lone Eagle Peak was named in honor of Charles Lindbergh. Since it’s over 14 miles long, most people opt to backpack to Lone Eagle Peak. To the enthusiastic adventure climber, it’s a veritable playground encapsulated in stone and surrounded by pristine, rugged beauty. If you’re a camper and a fan of eating freeze-dried food, you may have eaten Backpacker’s Pantry … and ya might notice a familiar view. There are some great campsites next to Mirror Lake. Lone Eagle Peak can be accessed from the East side of the Divide via Pawnee Pass Trail. You can access the government site here to get more information on the wilderness area. Here are a few of my favs: If you’re planning to hike to Lone Eagle Peak in a day, don’t forget the following: When it comes to hiking in Colorado, there are several important safety factors to keep in mind. This equates to a recipe for a guilt free weekend of backpacking and photography. backpacking to: lone eagle peak (crater lake) Descent via Solo Flight. Now you're ready to travel like a local, not a tourist. After crossing a wooden bridge, you are met with the first of many beautiful waterfalls. Lone Eagle Peak is the towering pinnacle just south of and above the lake. He will ask you to contact a huntsman called Nickolaus who agreed to capture another ferret… There are plenty of scenic mountain views and even several waterfalls along the way like Cascade Falls. After pulling into the trailhead, I finished the last bit of my lukewarm tea, packed up my daypack, pulled on my hat and gloves, and walked over to the Ranger Station to check-in. Lone Eagle Peak: The Hike to Colorado’s Most Photogenic Mountain. The trail was difficult to navigate, and we almost got lost. Photographers may also want to opt to backpack Lone Eagle Peak instead, to allow for extra time. Der Lone Eagle Peak in Colorado brennt sich schnell ins Gedächtnis ein. Thanks to some deadfall and seclusion, a few of these sites (particularly sites 6 and 7) are tough to find! The sky-piercing Lone Eagle Peak is an absolute icon and the surrounding dramatic cirque will take your breath away. Here you’ll find the famous reflecting pool that brings you that insta-worthy view of Lone Eagle Peak. The Forest Service may require recreation permits when extra measures are needed to protect natural or cultural resources, to restrict the number of people participating in the activity at any one time, to provide extra safety or for other specialized services. Easy unsubscribe links are provided in every email. Note: This website participates in affiliate marketing. For an added bonus, located further up the trail is Crater Lake (a large glacier-fed alpine lake with a stunning waterfall in the far corner). Overnight backpackers visiting the area around Lone Eagle Peak — a.k.a. Fortunately, if you’re an avid mountain hiker, the trail to Lone Eagle Peak isn’t too tough. The parking lot fills up quickly and the first few miles of the trail are very crowded. Viewing: 1-2 of 2. The Lone Eagle Peak hike starts out at Monarch Lake Trailhead via Cascade Creek Trail. Lone Eagle Peak's attractive profile, with "Iriqouis" on the right On our way down, we made the quick scramble to Point 11,602, which add all of four minutes each way. Instead, it gains gradually, with a few points of steep terrain. The trail follows Buchanan and Cascade Creeks much of the way and has vantage points that overlook multiple waterfalls. Get the FREE Colorado trip planning checklist and get the inside scoop on hiking, camping, climbing, and more in the great Centennial State. Don't stop here, however, as you can pick up a singletrack trail on the west side of Mirror Lake that will take you to Crater Lake and the stunning view of Lone Eagle Peak and Mt. Copyright © 2021 10Adventures Inc. All rights reserved. You’ll walk past many waterfalls including Cascade Falls. Parking and sleeping in your car is a popular way to get a head start on the day. Plan your trip in advance and secure a permit before they are all gone! This is one of the most scenic views in all of Colorado. It’s one of the best backpacking trips in Colorado and having the chance to spend the night near this iconic peak is a must-do! Hiking poles. After 8 am, the breeze shows up and the lake loses its mirror-like quality. Lone Eagle Peak is part of the Indian Peaks Wilderness area, south of Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Backcountry camping at Crater Lake is one of the best sites within the Indian Peaks. : Yes, but your dog must be kept on a leash. For a mountain hike, the elevation gain isn’t too terrible, but it is long, so come prepared. There are a few multi-pitch alpine trad routes on Lone Eagle Peak. When you are finished, you can head back the way you came in. The entire west side of Indian Peaks Wilderness is a fee area. Categories . Pro Tip: For the best chance at a perfect reflection, visit Mirror Lake on a low-wind morning. You’re almost guaranteed to spot a moose, especially if you travel early in the morning. With the height of 11,946 ft (3,641 m), the peak is dominating the Indian Peaks Wilderness of Arapaho National Forest. Freelance Writing, Travel, and Life Skills, Explore nearby Rocky Mountain National Park, Incredible Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Where to Find the Best Camping in Colorado. She'd rather be dirty than done up. Wilderness permits are required year-round for all overnight trips in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks' wilderness. Explore the outdoors in Colorado like a local, not a tourist. eagle lake trail permit; Mesh networking is transforming the stadium experience 29th November 2019. The hike is not technical, but the length and elevation gain make it a challenge for even seasoned hikers. Lone Eagle Peak: The Hike to Colorado’s Most Photogenic Mountain After pulling into the trailhead, I finished the last bit of my lukewarm tea, packed up my daypack, pulled on my hat and gloves, and … Hikers get lost every year. the Crater Lake Travel Zone — must camp at one of 12 designated sites. Since the trail is rather long, many hikers camp overnight, although it is possible to complete it in one day. 0. eagle lake trail permit. There are plenty of places to pull over and give your achy feet a nice soak in the lake. Climbers and mountaineers will love the opportunities for nearby alpine trad routes, a rugged class 4 route to the top of Lone Eagle, and plenty of couloirs. Lone Rabbit is the distinct couloir that frames the right side of Lone Eagle Peak. Miles: 14.3 round tripElevation Gain: 2,244 feet. Turn right onto CO Hwy 6; the gravel road dead-ends at the parking. Viewing Routes attached to Mountain/Rock: Lone Eagle Peak View All Routes. Our map takes you as far as Mirror Lake, and for most people, this is a good place to turn around. Plan to be at the lake no later than 8 am to get the best light for photography. Cairns are used to mark the trail when traveling over rugged, rocky sections. There are four trail passes: Devil's Thumb (11,747 ft.), Arapahoe (11,906 ft.), Pawnee (12,541 ft.), and Buchanan (11,837 ft.). It’s a scenic jaunt through and through. Getting to the Climb. The bugs are pretty bad here until August. Hike: Lone Eagle Peak, Indian Peaks Wilderness, Colorado. If you want to find other great hikes in Indian Peaks Wilderness, check out the Lake Isabelle trail, Rainbow Lakes trail or the Arapaho Glacier Trail. The trail follows along the north side of Monarch Lake until it veers up along Buchanan Creek. Just a short distance from Mirror Lake is the beautiful Crater Lake. You’ll pass the massive lake on your way in and out of the Monarch Lake Trailhead. Lots o waterfalls for Brent to pose with. Seeing the peak reflect off of the lake is a stunning site. Permits are required if you plan on camping by Lone Eagle Peak between June 1st and September 15th. Being the 12th best trail in the nation, Lone Eagle Peak is about 14.9 miles long. There are wonderful views of lakes, mountains, and jaw-dropping waterfalls. You may want to plan your lunch or snack break for the shores of Mirror Lake to give yourself time to fully enjoy the view. Start EARLY. To stay overnight at Lone Eagle Peak, hikers will need to get a permit. Time: This hike takes between 7 to 8 hours round trip. This is where a few of the backcountry campsites are located. Unless you’re well-seasoned for traveling vast distances on snow, late June through late September is the best time of year to hike to Lone Eagle Peak. The Indian Peaks Wilderness was designated as a protected wilderness area in 1978 by an act of Congress and signed by Jimmy Carter.. As an absolute outdoor PRO (seriously, I get paid to write about the outdoors) and Colorado local of over 12 years, you've found the best outdoor blog on the internet. A buff is handy for crossing buggy areas like Monarch Lake. … Once you arrive at Crater Lake, there will be a wooden sign that will tell you approximately where each of the sites are located. On their way to Lone Eagle Peak, hikers pass a few waterfalls, scenic creeks, lovely pine groves, and alpine meadows. Click here to find the best hotels & best deals >> Google map of Lone Eagle Peak . Elevations in these wilderness areas vary from 8,400 to over 13,500 feet, from montane to sub-alpine and alpine lifezones. Well this was a difficult hike, 19 miles in 21 hours, bush waking a big portion of the trail. Site 9 is a group site (8 to 12 people) and site 8 sees the highest amount of traffic from the trail. Achonee. Check out these local resources for hiking in Colorado: Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore.