I would have loved to continue on and summit Torreys as well, but looking down into the deep saddle between the two mountains, well … that’ll have to be another day. The pass is a great opportunity to get out into the backcountry of Colorado to ski some open bowls, glades or the steeps. The sign that says "WARNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS- AVALANCHE BLASTING AT ANY TIME USING LONG RANGE WEAPONRY" is worth 6 stars. 2.8 miles out and back. At the top of Loveland Pass. Less than an hour from Denver, Loveland pass on Highway 6 is an optional route to the Keystone Ski resort. [tmt_info =””]If you cross the highway and hike east, you’ll be climbing up Mount Sniktau. Even though it is only ~1440’ above the trailhead, the hike includes 2900’ total elevation gain, out and back. Finally, you’re on that last 900’ descent toward your car on quivering legs, feeling a little smug at all the fresh faces toiling up the trail. Looking north, here’s a panorama of the view you’ll enjoy, as you hide on the calm side of the wind shelter. [tmt_info =””]I started off the day wearing shorts and a t-shirt, but I changed into jeans and a hoodie in the back seat of my car, once I arrived at Loveland Pass. Summit County, Colorado is known for its hiking trails. By the time you’re in that last saddle looking up at that last 12,915-footer, you just might start to feel a little annoyed (if you’re like me). Like. I admit, the first time I was faced with Grizzly’s steep incline, I turned around and went home. The north-south trail offers views of the impressive Mount Sniktau to the south and Pettingell Peak to the north--with much to see along the way. Hike back to the Loveland Pass trailhead on the same trail leading to the summit. Rising 800 feet above the tunnel through a series of hairpin switchbacks, you'll find yourself with a healthy grip on the handlebar. Loveland Pass : SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. I only found a few small wildflowers growing up here, but that’s probably because I had arrived in mid-June. West Ridge Trail, wow, what a hike! 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). • TurnKey photo-verifies this home is professionally cleaned with products approved by the EPA for use against COVID-19. High atop the Continental Divide, Loveland Ski Area features 9 lifts serving 1,800 acres of exceptional terrain. Sniktau, located on the left. Amy nailed it! But to get to the ridge, you’ve got to do some climbing, gaining perhaps about 500 feet or so. Approach Coming from the east down US Highway 6 on the way to Arapahoe Basin Ski Area you will go through Loveland Pass … In two years, about 300 bombers, fighters and training planes crashed along the Front Range. I left my car at the top of the pass and began by following the Continental Divide to the southwest. In my opinion, it’s the return trip that makes this hike such a mental challenge. 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. Parking is limited so make sure you arrive early.This hike will get your blood pumping fr... Loveland Pass is often very busy during the winter as people move through the pass to access the nearby ski areas and just as popular for tourists admiring the beauty of the continental divide in the summer. Having done two sunrise hikes … 28 reviews of Loveland Pass "11,990 ft view of the world is worth a 5 star rating- with a small snowy hike to even better view. This route is also known as the West Ridge route. Finally at the top of the ridge, I discovered some piles of rock that were either placed there to honor my accomplishment, or more likely to provide a wind shelter. Give us a follow if you want to be kept up to date about what’s happening! 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 less strenuous can take a walk on the loop trail, which follows a ridge on the Continental Divide for an easy 3 mile loop. Grizzly Peak on the east side of Loveland Pass is a solid Class 2 hike over mostly tundra terrain with a rocky finish. If you’re not prepared for these moderately unpleasant conditions, they will seem much worse when you’re at the top of the hill. You can go over them or around them, it’s up to you. Expect to find patches of snow in June, and if it’s been a severe winter, possibly even later into the summer. The summit of the pass is at 11,990 feet…. With more than 74 Loveland trails covering 580 miles, you’re bound to find a perfect trail like the Sheep Draw Trail or Loveland Recreation Trail. Loveland Ski Area horseshoes around the Eisenhower & Johnson Tunnels high atop the Continental Divide. Skiing Watching truck, car, bus loads of skiers & snowboarders getting dropped of & … There does seem to be a consensus, however, that it is a rewarding and beautiful hike. It's tough to keep your eyes on the road with the surrounding mountain views, so make sure to take a break for pictures at the top of the pass. (6 ). The altitude brings cooler temperatures, and the wind will add an extra chill. Some fun scrambling over the rock pile. The bypass trail does bypass the first false summit, but it is overall steeper and narrower with more exposure. Loveland has two separate base areas and both host rental shops, sport shops, restaurants and bars. A physically demanding climb. At 13,427 feet, Grizzly Peak stands in the path to Torreys Peak’s west face (14,267’). You could keep going, and follow the ridge up to the top of that next mountain. Be Weather Aware: Mt. River's Edge Natural Area. Getting across the Continental Divide in Colorado is challenging, no matter which way you do it. Images © 2020 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Learn More. Rated: Moderate. The day was nearly over, but I wasn’t quite ready to head back to my motel in Springdale. You’ll see two wind shelters at this low summit, and from there, the trail forks to the north and to the east. 13 reviews. 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. The climb is a Class 2 scramble at times, meaning you’ll need to use your hands to help navigate. … and at the top of it, you’ll find this trail. One that’s bigger than the one you just finished? The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from March until October. Elevation: 11,990 ft. No restrooms. At 11,990 ft. above sea level, the Loveland Pass is the alternative route to I-70 and the Eisenhower Tunnel. Getting across the Continental Divide in Colorado is challenging, no matter which way you do it. Please click on the mountain images at the top or bottom of the page to navigate this site. Len Wallace hikes a mountainside off Cucharas Pass, searching for the wreckage of a military plane that crashed in 1944. 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. However, heavy snows can change that in moments. Wildflower season is July and Au... A popular wildflower hike in summer, Herman Gulch is arguably even prettier covered in snow. Photo Credit: Carol Lawrence. I climbed this peak in mid-October, which meant the trail went “missing” at times due to snow. View detailed trail descriptions, trail maps, reviews, photos, trail itineraries, directions and more on TrailLink. I was spent when it was over but I was sorry it was over. Please explore responsibly! 6 reviews #9 of 15 Outdoor Activities in Loveland "This is a good trail close to home that … Take in the scenery while enjoying scenic drives, hiking through forests, road biking, and exploring our IMBA Gold Level Ride Center recognized mountain bike trails. Above is a photo at Loveland Pass at the end of my hike. While this makes a good summer wildflower hike, it is actually more popular with winter hikers and backcountry skiers. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your 12,915 is a 900’ ascent, giving you the most altitude gain at one time. All Rights Reserved. On the way back down, you’ll have a great view of the trailhead and parking area at Loveland Pass. We’ll cover it on the next page.[/tmt_info]. Sniktau is known for being an all-season hike, relatively safe when it comes to avalanche danger. This hike offers a fun ridge walk with amazing views! adventures and follow local regulations. Spacious Alpine Getaway With Deck Near Ski Resort, New Home W/Pool & Private Hot Tub, Walk To Gondola, Upscale Home – Decks, Heated Garage, Near Shuttle, Photograph the Milky Way at Loveland Pass. The correct road is US Highway 6. The highest point in Texas provides a perfect wintertime hike. Explore the best trails in Loveland, Colorado on TrailLink. 6 miles A few weeks later, and more wildflowers were likely blooming. I just wasn’t prepared for it. This was unpleasant and the driving rain didn't improve the situation. It is almost perpetually windy, and sudden storms (both summer and winter) are frequent and to be taken seriously. East passes over "Cupid" to Grizzly Peak (and eventually Torreys Peak, should you choose to go that far). Thanks! View Loveland Pass Image Gallery - 1 Images. This hike is one of those that I consider very easy to get to from Denver, Colorado. 6+ miles round-trip. I started around noon from the top of Loveland Pass at 11,992 feet. This hike is one of those that I consider very easy to get to from Denver, Colorado. Grizzly Peak Hike at Loveland Pass Grizzly Peak is a challenging 5-mile hike from Loveland Pass that ends with a scramble to its craggy 13,427′ summit with breathtaking views of the Loveland Pass area, local ski resorts, and 14ers Grays and Torreys Peaks. That means plenty of water and fuel, all the weather-appropriate gear, and a certain fitness level. The popular “west” trail begins … Sniktau. This spectacular wildflower hike that ends at an alpine lake will have your head swiveling from start to finish. Also: No bathrooms, and no place to hide. From 12,000 feet, the west Loveland pass trail can be turned into a cross-country loop crossing a beautiful basin. Dog friendly. The first two summits you mention as 12,000 are more like 13,000. Continental Divide hike above tree line. Subscribe to our newsletter to received exlusive specials and travel deals! It all depends on your level of fitness and experience, I suppose. Make sure you come prepared, the wind can be pretty relentless. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. Trail in White River National Forest, Arapaho National Forest. Mariana Butte Trail. Loveland Lakes Trail, it’s just down the road and an easy hike around 3 alpine lakes. Get Here. … and if you feel the need to say you’ve been above 12k, you can climb up the small hill next to the road, to make up the additional 10 feet. Thanks! The top of Loveland Pass is a trailhead for many different routes. The number one concern is the weather. 2900 ft gain Colorado had training airfields in Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo. (1), Climber's Log Entries On the next page, we’ll tackle Mount Sniktau, conveniently located on the other side of US 6. Do you know the exact altitudes so I can add them to the route? Just a few weeks earlier, and this trail was probably still covered in snow. Above, you see US-6 as it climbs to the pass from Silverthorne, and the Keystone and Arapahoe Basin ski areas. Loveland Pass is located on US Highway 6, which splits off from I-70 to provide an alternative route for haz-mat truckers and mountain-climbing adventurers. Having done two sunrise hikes here, I highly recommend starting at dawn; the alpenglow on the surrounding snow-capped peaks is just stunning! This is the view of the ridges leading to Mt. This hike begins at the Loveland Pass summit – 11,990 feet – which means throughout the duration, you have incredible 360-degree views for miles.