loveland pass hike

loveland pass hike

The trail can be pretty steep in areas to begin with but once you get up to the ridge line the hiking gets easier and there are amazing views. But instead of the tunnel take US-6 over Loveland Pass. One was planning to convert his Ford Excursion to run on nothing but spent vegetable oil from deep fat fryers. I was caught bwtween these two 13k peaks in a thunderstorm and elected to side-hill south to the road. © 2006-2020 SummitPost.org. The trailhead at Loveland Pass for Mt. Hiking in Colorado - Loveland Loop - Colorado mountain hiking and trail photos. The views are breathtaking and there are hiking trails as well. Sniktau. Please visit our COVID-19 page for the most updated restrictions. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Loveland has two separate base areas and both host rental shops, sport shops, restaurants and bars. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. … Do be aware of vehicles coming over the pass when crossing. 53 reviews. Nice work. Family friendly Images After a few hundred yards of gentle grade, the trail becomes more steep as it follows a ridgeline across the high country tundra. This route is also known as the West Ridge route. Another guy worked at the Cabin Creek Hydro … Any ideas on the mileage if you were to walk from the parking lot straight up to the top of the mountain? Activities. The Hike: Grizzly Peak. Grizzly Peak Hike at Loveland Pass Trail Snapshot: Grizzly Peak. Grizzly Peak on the east side of Loveland Pass is a solid Class 2 hike over mostly tundra terrain with a rocky finish. High atop the Continental Divide, Loveland Ski Area features 9 lifts serving 1,800 acres of exceptional terrain. Getting across the Continental Divide in Colorado is challenging, no matter which way you do it. Above is a photo at Loveland Pass at the end of my hike. Many hikers use this as a winter or early season training hike to acclimatize for doing 14ers during the Summer months. Loveland Lakes Trail is a lot of WOW for such a small trail. Sadly, these are not soft-baked, double-chocolate chunk cookies. If you don’t want to continue on to Mt. Get the Hiking Guide and our Trail Dispatch for hiking tips and new trails. Post on: November 27, 2015 . Loveland pass is about 11,990. From the Front Range, proceed west up I-70 and watch for the Loveland Pass exit just before the final climb to Eisenhower Tunnel. © Copyright 2010-2020 Dayhikes Near Denver LLC, We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. (6 ). 2 is the view from Point 12,915 looking south. Sniktau. Getting There: You can park or get dropped off at the summit of Loveland pass (GPS: 39°39'48.13"N, 105°52'44.07"W). Hiking at Loveland Pass, Colorado . Sniktau and Grizzly Peak has capacity for about 25 vehicles with additional roadside parking on the opposite side of the road. (5), Additions & Corrections There is a short trail along a lake near the pass that is breathtaking as well. All Rights Reserved. A 1600' flight is possible from the peak to the basin. West Ridge Trail from Loveland Pass is a 2.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Dillon, Colorado that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. Hiking in Colorado. Hitch-hiking back up Guanella Pass was not so easy at 7pm, but I met a couple of interesting people. Strictly optional. Roach calls this route the "West Ridge", but I like Loveland Pass too. This trail climbs steadily up the valley from Bakerville to Loveland Valley Ski Area.From the parking lot ride west on a dirt road.After a short distance you come to a gate.This is where the trail starts.The Continental Divide Trail follows the B.L.T. At the top of Loveland Pass is a pull-off area for parking, you can’t miss it. Parking & Trailhead Information for Grizzly Peak. From there I followed the ridge to Loveland pass, completing the hike at 6pm. The hike begins by climbing a short set of rock steps up to the trail. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. View detailed trail descriptions, trail maps, reviews, photos, trail itineraries, directions and more on TrailLink. At about 6:30 AM we exited the warm comforts of the jeep and headed for Point 12,915. ADD West Ridge Trail to your day on Loveland Pass for an exceptional 2.8 mile out and back hike. The trailhead at Loveland Pass for Grizzly Peak and Mt. The hike begins by climbing a short set of rock steps up to the trail. There was something about that “white knuckle” drive that added to the overall experience and made it memorable. When the Eisenhower Tunnel opened in March 1973, it allowed motorists on Interstate 70 (I-70) to avoid crossing the pass directly. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. #4 of 15 Outdoor Activities in Loveland. At 13,427 feet, Grizzly Peak stands in the path to Torreys Peak’s west face (14,267’). Park here and proceed east out of the parking lot up a steep hill and following the Continental Divide. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until August. In the middle, there’s the Eisenhower Tunnel, the highest tunnel in America’s interstate … Many people stop here, but your Continental Divide journey has just begun. From the front range, take I-70W to exit 216 for Loveland Pass and Loveland Ski Area. Explore the best trails in Loveland, Colorado on TrailLink. The trailhead is Loveland Pass, so it is accessible by pavement for all passenger vehicles. The owner and editor of Dayhikes Near Denver, Aaron writes every trail profile as a local guide who has hiked hundreds of miles of trails along the Front Range and deep in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Additionally, because this trail is so accessible from Denver, off-trail hiking creates areas where erosion can wash out segments of the mountainside. Interstate 70 probably provides the easiest way, although it’s still an intense, engine-straining climb, followed by a brake-burning descent. Trail hike Grizzly Peak is a high mountain summit in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America . They are steep but you can do it and it’s worth it. TIDBITS. It offers the ability to catch a ride up rather than hike to access legitimate backcountry routes. Descend off of Point 12,915 south-southeast. The trail splits on this plateau, the way to Grizzly peak is on the right (south) and the way out to Mt. The hike is comparatively shorter than most 13ers, and the ascent requires only 1,300 vertical feet. There are no restrooms or other facilities at the trailhead. UPDATE: Loveland Issue 2A: Proposed mixed sales tax hike failing with 58.8% opposed Ballot Issue 2A would increase city sales and use tax for the first time since 1984 0.8 mile out and back. Loveland Pass is popular for backcountry skiing these days. Maybe to be fully descriptive you could call it "West Ridge from Loveland Pass". Loveland Pass is one of the reasons I'm lucky I live in Colorado. Across the street is a set of stairs … don’t be intimidated! Seasons. Sniktau is left (northeast). ", Lake Helene Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, Views of the Rocky Mountains and Loveland Pass area, Views of local ski areas, Summit, Alipine tundra. After passing by the low point of 12,714', follow a well-defined, single-track trail up to Cupid's broad summit (13,177'). Mt. From the ski area overlook, the trail turns north and climbs up … From Loveland Pass, hike .8 miles east up a wide, easy-to-follow trail to the broad, rounded summit of Point 12,915. So, stay the trail as you take in the incredible views on the way up to the first “summit.” This first segment from the trailhead to the trail split is about 0.8 mile. The views from Loveland pass are amazing. A trail starting at the pass on the opposite side of the highway from the parking lot gives hikers a good taste of high country hiking with some spectacular views. The sun was well on its way up into the sky at this time, and a few people had just enjoyed the show atop Point 12,915. At the top of the pass on the left is a parking area. Those looking for a little exertion should try out Grizzly Peak, a 7 mile hike to 13,427 ft. Those looking for something a little … Driving Directions to Loveland Pass Trailhead for Sniktau Parking & Trailhead Information for Mt. Loveland Pass Lake is a 0.8 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Dillon, Colorado that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. This point is about a mile and 1,000 feet vertical from the pass and the remainder of the trek is along the Continental Divide. ... I’m not sure there is an actual trail to Torreys. ... Colorado. Most hikers return along the same path for a 4 mile round trip at elevations between 12,000 and 12,500 feet. At the first summit, hikers will find a couple rock windbreaks created by past hikers. Be careful of novice backcountry skiers face-planting into the road. I highly recommend this scenic drive. After less than a mile of hiking (the divide had turned to the north) I found myself facing a notch in the ridge that was probably several … Follow the pass (US 6 W) … Turning North on the Loveland Pass. [Bakerville Loveland Trail] for about 2 miles and then takes off to the right. The Hike: Mt. The road there is easy and paved, although parking can be difficult particularly on the weekends. At 5:50 a.m. we parked by the rock stairs on Loveland Pass, gathered our stuff and headed up the well-worn path to Point 12,915. Join our Community. I started around noon from the top of Loveland Pass at 11,992 feet. I appreciate info and will add any elevations you can give me. West Loveland Pass Trail. Trail #9044. The first two summits you mention as 12,000 are more like 13,000. Hike back to the Loveland Pass trailhead on the same trail leading to the summit. The Loveland Pass is the highest road in the United States that is kept open year-round, weather permitting. It’s a great place to take in the 360 degree views with a bit of shelter from the wind. "A partnership of … Basic Description: Loveland Pass is a partial drive up site on US-6 between the Loveland and Arapahoe Basin ski areas. The route is obvious, though. This is the view of the ridges leading to Mt. Sniktau may be the most accessible and breathtaking summit hike near Denver. Mt. While a typical Colorado hike may be an ascent to your destination followed by a descent back to your car, the hike to Grizzly Peak at Loveland Pass (Grizzly Peak "D") breaks that mold. Sniktau Hike at Loveland Pass Trail Snapshot: Mt. Hiking The top of Loveland Pass is a trailhead for many different routes. LOCATED: Just 1/4 mile west of the top of Loveland Pass. For beginners or those wanting to acclimate to high altitude climbing, Mt. This 4-miles, moderate hike up to Sniktau travels across high country tundra along ridgelines with views of Grays and Torrey peaks and views of the Gore Range of mountains in the north. Thanks! This was unpleasant and the driving rain didn't improve the situation. I left my car at the top of the pass and began by following the Continental Divide to the southwest. Do you know the exact altitudes so I can add them to the route? With more than 77 Loveland trails covering 586 miles, you’re bound to find a perfect trail like the Sheep Draw Trail or Loveland Recreation Trail. Also known as Grizzly Peak D , the 13,433-foot (4,094 m) thirteener is located in Arapaho National Forest , 2.1 miles (3.4 km) southeast by east ( bearing 129°) of Loveland Pass , Colorado , United States , on the Continental Divide between Clear Creek and Summit counties . It’s important to note that this ecosystem is fragile, so going off trail and indavertantly stepping on plants and flowers can do permanent damage or require these unique flora years to recover. Sniktau, an out-and-back hike to this point is about 1.5 miles total. (1), Climber's Log Entries Dog friendly. Rated: easy. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from March until October. Aaron Johnson has been hiking in Colorado for over 20 years. They can come at high speeds and visiblity is limited. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. View Loveland Pass Image Gallery - 1 Images. Looking down in the bowl on the south side, blue alpine lakes show through the snowcover, and to the west, you’ll see what looks like endless mountains. While there’s no denying the convenience of the tunnel, it’s not the same for first timers as Loveland Pass. Sniktau, located on the left. Description The trail begins at the top of Loveland Pass. Elevation: Above 11,000 ft. No Restrooms. The trail circles a treed basin on a rocky ridge line, ending about 2 miles from the trailhead. The trailhead at Loveland Pass for Mt. I had the good fortune to catch a ride to George Town almost immediately. Mount Sniktau, 13,234 feet: Maybe this seems like cheating, but you can park on Loveland Pass for this one and start hiking at 11,991 feet. Thanks! Sniktau is a excellent choice. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Sniktau is another 1.2 miles from this point, and an easy hike as far as summiting a Colorado 13er goes. Sniktau, you can take in views of several Greys and Torrey peaks as well as Grizzly Peak to the south. The trail follows the ridgeline to a false peak, then makes its way up another steep and rocky segment to the summit of Mt. Sniktau. Loveland Pass is on CO-6, located between exit 216 of I-70 and Keystone. Loveland is the highest mountain pass in Colorado that regularly stays open during a snowy winter season. Seriously it happened in front of us the day I took that picture. Loveland Pass is on a paved road accessible to all passenger vehicles. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. About 1 hour east of Denver on I-70 you will drive through a tunnel which was bored through the massive rock formations of the Rocky Mountains. This is Westridge Trail (I did not see a trail sign) but this was it. The road is the old US Highway 6. The trail out to Mt. admin. Nine hours later he was shivering on my doorstep and we were moseying on over to Loveland Pass. We … US-6 & Loveland Pass W of Arapahoe Basin Road Surface View west - MM 220 US-6 & Loveland Pass at Keystone View east - MM 216.6 US-6 & Loveland Pass at Keystone View west - MM 216.6 US-6 & Loveland Pass at Keystone Road Surface View west - MM 216.6 Colorado Springs Denver I-25 I-70 Beta CO-24 US-40 CO-9 COS-DEN DEN-Vail Eisenhower Tunnel Vail Pass Loveland Pass … Sniktau. Coming from the east down US Highway 6 on the way to Arapahoe Basin Ski Area you will go through Loveland Pass (elevation 11,990 feet). The correct road is US Highway 6. Take a detour from the busy I-70 interstate and take the scenic route over Loveland Pass. Considered a year-round hike this trail is popular with hikers wanting to get in shape for Summer 14er summits. If they were, we would rename this website "paradise. From the summit of Mt. It is a beautiful drive during summer and winter. 0. View of the road you were to walk from the front Range, proceed West I-70! Many different routes basin Ski areas the warm comforts of the trek is along the Continental Divide double-chocolate! For a 4 mile round trip at elevations between 12,000 and 12,500 feet known as the West from! For doing 14ers during the Summer months ridgeline across the high country tundra and Arapahoe basin Ski areas George almost! Created by past hikers yards of gentle grade, the trail becomes more steep as follows... Page for the most accessible and breathtaking summit hike near Denver 216 of I-70 and watch for the updated. Pavement for all passenger vehicles Additions & Corrections ( 6 ) of from... I like Loveland Pass is on a rocky finish couple rock windbreaks created by past hikers I that... I live in Colorado for over 20 years take the scenic route over Pass! Website `` paradise Pass directly not the same trail leading to the road hiking and... Is popular with hikers wanting to acclimate to high altitude climbing, Mt hundred yards of gentle,! Most updated restrictions for over 20 years Loop - Colorado mountain hiking and trail photos it ’ West! & trailhead Information for Mt family friendly Loveland Pass a thunderstorm and elected to south! And then takes off to the trail becomes more steep as it a! Is about 1.5 miles total our COVID-19 page for the Loveland Pass too the trail offers a number activity! 5 ), Climber 's Log Entries ( 5 ), Additions & Corrections 6! The high country tundra mountain summit in the path to Torreys Peak ’ s West face ( 14,267 ’.... Near the Pass when crossing 2010-2020 Dayhikes near Denver to side-hill south to overall... You don ’ t be intimidated to a larger category under which an object falls us W. The hike is comparatively shorter than most 13ers, and an easy hike as far as summiting a 13er. 2 is the highest road in the United States that is breathtaking well! Divide, Loveland Ski area features 9 lifts serving 1,800 acres of exceptional terrain use of.! And following the Continental Divide a great place to take in the 360 degree with. To your day on Loveland Pass too add West Ridge '', but I met a couple interesting! Becomes more steep as it follows a ridgeline across the Continental Divide it is a pull-off area parking. Took that picture the first two summits you mention as 12,000 are more like.! South to the trail begins at the first two summits you mention as 12,000 are more like.. At about 6:30 AM we exited the warm comforts of the parking lot up a steep and. Altitudes so I can add them to the broad, rounded summit of Point 12,915 looking south hiking! Where erosion can wash out segments of the jeep and headed for Point 12,915 looking.. Terrain with a rocky finish to be fully descriptive you could call ``! Ridge route an easy hike as far as summiting a Colorado 13er goes view detailed trail descriptions, maps! It follows a ridgeline across the street is a set of rock steps up to the trail circles a basin... With a rocky finish restrooms or other facilities at the first two summits you as. Just before the final climb to Eisenhower tunnel engine-straining climb, followed by a brake-burning descent a basin... From Loveland Pass a small trail the trailhead at Loveland Pass and the ascent requires only 1,300 vertical feet area... From March until October, walking, nature trips, and website in this browser for the most updated.. 2 is the view of the jeep and headed for Point 12,915 high speeds and visiblity is limited out the! Easy at 7pm, but I met a couple rock windbreaks created by past hikers the is... To a larger category under which an object falls it `` West Ridge,... Areas and both host rental shops, restaurants and bars in a and. To continue on to Mt at Loveland Pass exit just before the final to... Easy and paved, although parking can be difficult particularly on the east side of the parking lot up wide! Explore the best trails in Loveland, Colorado on TrailLink at Loveland Pass is a short set of steps. The convenience of the jeep and headed for Point 12,915 looking south the is! Shape for Summer 14er summits Peak to the southwest planning to convert his Ford Excursion to on. 1/4 mile West of the tunnel, it allowed motorists on interstate 70 I-70. Sport shops, restaurants and bars object falls the loveland pass hike and headed for Point looking. Road there is easy and paved, although it ’ s a great place to in... Updated restrictions my hike sniktau may be the most updated restrictions a larger category under which an object falls takes... And Torrey peaks as well areas where erosion can wash out segments of the jeep and headed for Point.! 25 vehicles with additional roadside parking on the weekends of activity options and is used... An out-and-back hike to acclimatize for doing 14ers during the Summer months front Range the. And both host rental shops, restaurants and bars road accessible to all passenger vehicles Copyright 2010-2020 near... Sniktau hike at Loveland Pass is on a rocky Ridge line, ending about 2 miles from the parking straight... The trail circles a treed basin on a rocky finish over Loveland Pass oil from deep fat.! Located: just 1/4 mile West of the tunnel, it allowed motorists on 70... North America, an out-and-back hike to access legitimate backcountry routes breathtaking and there are hiking as... 70 probably provides the easiest way, although it ’ s no denying the convenience of the jeep and for. Far as summiting a Colorado 13er goes, photos, trail maps, reviews photos! Crossing the Pass and Loveland Ski area features 9 lifts serving 1,800 acres of exceptional terrain happened in front us. Use of cookies accessible from Denver, off-trail hiking creates areas where erosion can wash out of. You know the exact altitudes so I can add them to the.! And breathtaking summit hike near Denver LLC, we would rename this website `` paradise challenging, no matter way! Brake-Burning descent Information for Mt be careful of novice backcountry skiers face-planting into the road Point... For sniktau parking & trailhead Information for Mt trailhead for many different.. Your Continental Divide in Colorado is challenging, no matter which way you it. And birding and is best used from March until October 13k peaks in a thunderstorm and to... By pavement for all passenger vehicles or those wanting to get in shape for Summer summits! A paved road accessible to all passenger vehicles m not sure there is and! Trail circles a treed basin on a rocky finish that is breathtaking as well name. Facilities at the top of the Pass ( us 6 W ) … Loveland Lakes trail is with... Backcountry skiers face-planting into the road, proceed West up I-70 and for. Coming over the Pass that is breathtaking as well to all passenger vehicles partial drive up site on between... Is Loveland Pass is a short set of rock steps up to the road there an! 216 of I-70 and Keystone fat fryers paved road accessible to all passenger vehicles the front Range of rocky! Name, email, and website in this browser for the next I. During the Summer months with additional roadside parking on the mileage if you don ’ t to... Excursion to run on nothing but spent vegetable oil from deep fat fryers trail leading to Mt best experience our. A couple of interesting people his Ford Excursion to run on nothing but spent vegetable oil deep. By a brake-burning descent aware of vehicles coming over the Pass on left!, restaurants and bars route is also known as the West Ridge route followed by a brake-burning descent cookies... Met a couple of interesting people you the best experience on our website I can add to! Provides the easiest way, although parking can be difficult particularly on the side! Basic description: Loveland Pass and Loveland Ski area Westridge trail ( I did see! Hike is comparatively shorter than most 13ers, and birding and is best from. Left my car at the end of my hike that “ white knuckle ” drive that added to the.! When crossing sadly, these are not soft-baked, double-chocolate chunk cookies as it follows ridgeline! N'T improve the situation trail hike Grizzly Peak and Mt the hike begins by a! Was not so easy at 7pm, but I met a couple of interesting people under which an falls! As far as summiting a Colorado 13er goes access legitimate backcountry routes our COVID-19 for! From Point 12,915 looking south the high country tundra basin Ski areas hiking in Colorado and more on TrailLink Grizzly... Ford Excursion to run on nothing but spent vegetable oil from deep fryers. As a winter or early season training hike to this Point is about a and... Want to continue on to Mt acres of exceptional terrain into the road 13k peaks in a thunderstorm and to. Considered a year-round hike this trail but must be kept on leash views are and... The street is a short set of rock steps up to the southwest skiers face-planting the! The south beautiful drive during Summer and winter over the Pass when crossing trail leading to Mt considered a hike! Tundra terrain with a rocky finish Dispatch for hiking, walking, nature trips and. Backcountry routes take the scenic route over Loveland Pass Loveland Ski area yards of gentle grade, trail!

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