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Advanced Snowshoe – Crater Lakes

Trip

Advanced Snowshoe – Crater Lakes

A ~7 mile and ~2000 ft elevation gain out and back snowshoe hike to Crater Lakes in the James Peak Wilderness. The hike may include some off-trail snowshoeing as we make our way back to the trailhead. We'll be afforded some marvelous views along the way.

Contacts

Wayne Howell
Wayne Howell
Primary Leader
  • Thu, Feb 27, 2025
  • Bobcats Section
  • Snowshoeing
  • Adults
  • Challenging
  • Challenging
  • Mileage: 7.5 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,000 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 11,104 ft
  • Pace: 1.3-1.8 MPH

Carpool Place & Time: Meet at the Plainville Rd Parking Area at 7:30am, for a 7:45am departure (9879 Plainview Rd - Google Maps)

We'll carpool to the Moffat Tunnel East Portal Parking (Moffat Tunnel East Portal TH Parking Lot - Google Maps)

Crater Lakes are a fantastic destination, in the heart of the James Peak Wilderness. We'll be snowshoe hiking an out-n-back route along the South Boulder Creek Trail from the East Portal Trailhead. Once we turn onto the Crater Lakes Trail, we'll ascend to two lower lakes (North and South). The trail cuts down the center of the two lower Crater Lakes, which is a beautiful destination. We'll find a sunny spot to stop for lunch/snack. If we have the energy and conditions allow it, we may try to make our way to the upper lake, which requires a steep climb. This section will be the most challenging portion of the route. This striking alpine lake sits right below the Continental Divide. Depending upon the conditions, we may find an off-trail route that takes us back to the South Boulder Creek trail. We will avoid avalanche risk areas. Our pace will be determined by the strength, stamina, and endurance of the group. Overall, ~7 miles and 2000 ft elevation gain. (Crater Lakes Snowshoe - JPW - CalTopo)

The Bobcats’ mission is to ensure a variety of challenging CMC trips, mostly on weekdays, all year long, for our mostly age 40+ constituents. We don’t have dues or elections and invite all CMC members to sign up for any Bobcats trip. You can search the CMC Calendar for Bobcat trips any time by selecting “Bobcats Section” in the CMC Trip Calendar “Section pull-down menu. To join our free mailing list and become a member, select the Bobcats Section anytime in your Member Profile. (Bobcats Section — The Colorado Mountain Club)

Route/Place

Crater Lakes

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

10 essentials and snowshoes are required. Trekking poles are recommended.

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