2-Day: Macey Lakes from Horn Creek TH

Find great camping, waterfalls, and a collection of lakes in the Macey Lakes Basin in the Sangre di Cristo Wilderness. This area hosts some of the state’s famed 14ers, including Humboldt, Crestone, and Kit Carson Peaks. On this route, hikers have the option to add a 3rd day to the itinerary and climb Colony Baldy (13,705 feet), the state’s 143rd highest peak and a less-busy peak than its nearby neighbors. The 3 day option with the peak makes for a 15 mile route with 4800 feet gain, with route-finding and off-trail portions. Either option makes for a difficult backpacking trip due to the elevation gain. 

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 2-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members:

Day 1: Starting at the Horn Creek Trailhead, hike .6 mile to junction with Rainbow Trail. Go left/south on Rainbow Trail for 3.2 miles to junction with Macey Trail. Make right on Macey Trail and ascend for 2.9 miles to Lower Macey Lake and make camp in this area (6.1 miles; 2,541 feet). 

Route Day 1

Day 2: Explore the upper Macey Lakes and break camp and hike out (7.8 miles, 550 ft gain, 2,997 feet loss), or for 

Alternate: 3-day option with Colony Baldy: Contour around north end of lower Macey Lake and then along west shore to trail junction, make left at this junction and continue south to South Macey Lake at 11,643 feet. Continue along South Macey's east shore, with a short bushwhack through willows while ascending southeast out of the cirque, then up easy grassy tundra to intersect Colony Baldy's southwest ridge near 13,000 ft. Continue up this ridge to summit (class 2). Reverse route back to camp for night (2.5 miles, 2200 feet gain). Break camp and hike out the next day (6.1 miles, 2591 feet loss). 

Driving Directions: Take I-25 South to Colorado Springs, take exit 140 for Tejon Street. Turn right onto CO-115 S/S Nevada Ave. Take CO 115 South for 32 miles. Turn left on CO 67 South. Turn right on CO 96 West. Continue on Main Street. Turn left onto CO-69 S/S 6th St. Follow Schoolfield Rd, Macey Ln and Horn Rd to your destination

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

• Difficulty: Difficult
• Length: 14.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 2,987 ft
• High Point: 11,897 ft

• Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
  Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area, San Carlos Ranger District (PSINF)
• Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
• Recommended Party Size: 6
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12