Activities: Hiking, Snowshoeing

Info:
State: Colorado
Location: Pike & San Isabel National Forests
Length: One-Way: 3.3 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 9070 feet
Maximum Elevation: 10720 feet
Best Season: Summer, Fall
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Heavy

Description: The Meridian Trail is a pleasant hike leading to a saddle, which marks the boundary between Pike and Arapahoe National Forests, as well as the boundary of the Mount Evans Wilderness. The trail remains below treeline the entire distance and it is well maintained and easy to follow. There are possible sites for overnight camping at the saddle, however water is not available in the immediate area so campers will need to supply their own. Southerly exposure makes this a good early or late season hike and fall colors can be beautiful along this trail. The trail is almost entirely outside of the Mount Evans Wilderness, but does enter the Wilderness at the top and Wilderness regulations apply. The Meridian Trail leads north as it rises out of the Elk Creek drainage, then begins to bear in a northeasterly direction. This portion of the trail passes through several aspen groves and offers some interesting vistas looking east and south. The saddle is marked by Wilderness boundary signs. Just beyond the saddle, the trail ends at its intersection with the Cub Creek Trail.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Colorado
Location: Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests
Length: One-Way: 3.8 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 10500 feet
Maximum Elevation: 13223 feet
Best Season: June to October
Difficulty: More Difficult
Usage: Heavy

Description: The Mt. Audubon Trail turns left (west) off the Beaver Creek Trail 1.7 miles from and 900 feet above, the Mitchell Lake Trailhead. The first portion of the Beaver Creek Trail is in the trees, but all of the Mt. Audubon Trail lies above treeline and inside the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The pace of the Mt. Audubon Trail is consistent for the Length of the trail, with the exception of two somewhat steeper sections; there’s one pair of switchbacks near the middle of the trail and one section near the end. Early in the summer, a snowfield may obscure the first switchback of the middle set; look for the trail to the right (north) if you lose it. The developed trail ends at the saddle where there is a view down into the Coney Lake drainage. For the final half mile and 600 vertical feet, just follow cairns up the talus to the summit. The Moderate to Difficult rating of this trail is due to the high elevation and considerable elevation gain from the trailhead. It’s best to get an early start on this peak; lightning and thunderstorms are common in the early afternoon.

Activities: Hiking, Mountain Biking

Info:
State: Colorado
Location: Pike & San Isabel National Forests
Length: One-Way: 1.6 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 7900 feet
Best Season: Year-Round
Usage: Heavy

Description: This trail follows Buffalo Canyon Creek through mature aspen stands and mixed pine and spruce forests to St. Mary’s Falls. To ones right are the falls which cascade down a granite wall 250-300 feet. To ones left is a very nice view of Colorado Springs with the Broadmoor Hotel in the foreground. Trout may be seen in the creek. Camping is permitted at undeveloped sites along the trail. Camping is permitted if more than 300 feet away from any trail or stream. Use no-impact camping techniques. Campfire permits are not required but please be sure your fire is dead out before you leave.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Colorado
Location: Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests
Length: One-Way: 2.6 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Best Season: June to October
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Heavy

Description: From its lower end at the South Boulder Creek Trail #900, the Forest Lakes Trail cuts across the front of a steep ridge on an abandoned road for a half mile to meet up with Arapaho Creek. The creek crossings do not have bridges and can be difficult to cross in the early summer. The trail follows the creek north/northwest on a gentle grade for a mile. At 1.5 miles from the South Boulder Creek Trail, the road ends in a meadow. The Arapaho Lakes Trail #818 turns to the left (west) and crosses the creek. Continuing north, the Forest Lakes Trail is very difficult to follow for the next half mile to the lowest of the Forest Lakes. The last half mile from the lakes to the Forest Lakes Trailhead is a well used trail.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Colorado
Location: Pike & San Isabel National Forests
Length: One-Way: 2.4 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 10316 feet
Maximum Elevation: 11860 feet
Best Season: Summer
Difficulty: Easy
Usage: Heavy

Description: The Gibson Lake Trail follows the Lake Fork drainage to a pretty lake nestled in a high tundra bowl. The well-established trail climbs at a steady, moderately steep grade. Allow about 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach Gibson Lake. The elevation gain is 1,544 feet. The last 0.5 miles is above tree line. The lake is regarded as a good fishing spot for brook trout. There are virtually no areas along the trail suitable for overnight camping. The lake is situated east of and below Whale Peak (el. 13,078 feet). The trail is suitable for foot and horse travel only. The trail travels in a westerly direction up the Lake Fork drainage. Below the parking area you will cross a small stream. From that point until you reach tree line the stream drainage will be to the left (south) of the trail as you ascend. At about 1.75 miles the trail reaches a fork. Bear left at this trail junction (the right fork is an unmarked trail leading up to the Continental Divide). At about 2.0 miles you will be at tree line. Shortly after reaching tree line the trail makes 3 major stream crossings. After the third crossing, the trail bears southwest through willows and tundra up to the shelf on which Gibson Lake is located. Tundra flowers are in abundance in midsummer. At the south end of the lake there is a long, ribbon-like waterfall draining into Gibson Lake from a smaller lake above it.