The Sq. Prime Lakes Path, one in all a number of cresting Guanella Cross above Georgetown, CO, provides hikers an opportunity to behold sweeping valley vistas and the imposing profile of Mount Bierstadt. Merely driving to the trailhead alongside Guanella Cross can soothe a weary soul and take its breathe away on the similar time! As soon as on the path, the expansive move greets hikers younger and previous of all talent ranges.
Discover the complete Sq. Prime Lakes Hike profile under for path map, driving instructions, and extra suggestions and particulars that will help you take pleasure in this journey on Guanella Cross close to Denver.
Path Snapshot: Sq. Prime Lakes Path
| Hike Distance | 4.5 miles Spherical Journey |
|---|---|
| Issue | Straightforward to Reasonable |
| Length | Approx 2-3hr |
| Path Kind | Out-and-Again |
| Beginning Elevation | 11,600′ |
| Elevation Achieve | Approx +700′ |
| Seasons | Summer time |
| Canine | Allowed On Leash |
| Hike Path Map | Click on for Path Map of Sq. Prime Lakes Hike |
| Denver Drive Time | 1.5 hours |
| Driving Instructions to Sq. Prime Lakes | Click on for Google Map |
| City Nearest Hike | Georgetown, Colorado |
| Magnificence | Wildflowers, 14er, Lakes, Valleys, Guanella Cross, Aspens |
| Actions | Climbing, Fishing |
Parking & Trailhead Data for Sq. Prime Lakes Hike
From Denver, heading west on I-70, exit 228 for Georgetown, CO. Going left underneath the bridge, Georgetown’s Customer’s Middle seems instantly on the proper. This is a superb place to relaxation earlier than or after a hike. Going straight by the visitors circle and turning proper onto Rose Road, Guanella Cross begins on the finish of the road, curving up and up! Sq. Prime Lakes Path, simply accessed instantly from the move in the summertime (when the move opens) signifies that crowds usually swell on weekends. Parking is free, however can current a problem by mid-morning, particularly close to the Mount Bierstadt trailhead. The Sq. Prime Lakes parking sits on the west aspect of the move. Restrooms can be found on the trailhead on the far finish of the parking zone.
The Hike: Sq. Prime Lakes Path
Starting close to the restrooms, the path instantly jaunts left to achieve a junction between the Interpretive Trial and the mountain climbing path. Turning proper and heading down the steps into the valley, hikers encounter the signature Guanella Cross panorama…willows and dust. Fortunately, a number of years in the past, boardwalks have been put in to help in traversing the low-lying areas. Whereas extra willows await hikers forward on the Sq. Prime Lakes path, a transparent pathway allows easy navigation. Nonetheless, some could choose lengthy pants to guard legs from scrapes.
Quickly after, because the path commences a gentle ascent, the sloping ridge offers a view onto Duck Lake to the south. It disappears as shortly because it seems. At roughly 1.5 miles the path rises over a small ridge. The wind usually flows from the valley up by this small dip, and climate can change shortly atop the move on the whole, so clever hikers regulate the sky. Barely 1/4-mile later the path meets, however skirts to the left of, the decrease lake. A number of paces past the decrease lake the path intersects with South Park Path 600.
Staying proper, the path presents presents the higher Sq. Prime Lake by way of a half-mile ascent. Casual trails unfold out across the lake. The jap ridge of the lake places hikers on seemingly eye-level with Mount Bierstadt, an area favourite 14er. The return hike merely reverses the route, following the path again down and out of the valley.
Suggestions & Assets for Climbing Sq. Prime Lakes Path
- TIP: The Sq. Prime Lakes Path utterly lacks shade. Think about mountain climbing early to mid-morning. If mountain climbing later within the day, take note of the climate forecast–it modifications shortly on Guanella Cross.
- Path Map: Sq. Prime Lakes Hike
- Packing Listing: At all times pack the ten Necessities. Obtain our Climbing Information to get the record and dayhiking packing guidelines.
- Colorado Street Situations: Colorado Street Situations
- After the Hike: Whereas time could require a direct return journey to Denver, if time permits, many take pleasure in persevering with on over Guanella Cross, following it all the way down to Grant, CO. Turning left onto Freeway 285 towards Denver, a late breakfast or early lunch awaits hungry hikers at The Shaggy Sheep. Additional up the street, trying to the left, a 55-ft tall statue of Jesus watches over the historic city of Santa Maria, CO.
Climate
Map & Driving Instructions
Click on for Driving Instructions
