4-Day: Avalanche Lake from Avalanche Creek TH

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 4-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members.

Day 1. Hike south east on the Avalanche Creek Trail (#1959) to a campsite near the junction with the Gift Creek Trail (#1963) to an area along, past a viewpoint to Judd Falls, and establish camp near Avalanche Creek. (7 miles/+2000’)

Day 2. Continue climbing on the Avalanche – Silver Creek Trail to Avalanche Lake and set up camp near the lake. (3 miles, +2400’)

Day 3. Fish, relax in camp, or day hike to Capitol Lake (Through meadows of wildflowers).

Day 4. Return to trailhead (10 miles/-4400’).

Driving Directions: Drive south 12 1/2 miles on Highway 133 from Carbondale. Turn left at the sign for Avalanche Creek and follow the road for 2 1/2 miles past Avalanche Campground to the parking area at the southeast end of the campground.

General Requirements: A permit is required for entry into the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness. These are free and can be found at the trailhead register boxes. Group size is limited to 10 persons. The Avalanche Campground is close to the trailhead.

Notes from 2020: The dirt road to the TH parking lot was good, a little bumpy in some spots with a shallow river to drive across. The parking lot is small but there are FCFS campsites along the road. There were no access problems or variations.

Overall Route       

Alternate trip could be only three days by deleting day spent at Capitol Lake.

• Suitable Activities: Backpacking
• Seasons: July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Challenging
• Length: 20.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 4,400 ft
• High Point: 10,700 ft

• Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
  Holy Cross Wilderness Area, Aspen Ranger District (WRNF)
• Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
• Recommended Party Size: 6
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12