Herman Lake

The Herman Gulch TH is located just off exit 218 of I-70, west of Bakerville.  There is ample parking and pit toilets are provided before starting this popular scenic hike.


Dorothy, Penny, Nancy, and JoAnn prepare for the day.

This trail is a short part of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) that spans 3,100 miles from the Canadian border south to Mexico.  Today thirteen members will do the 7.2 mile round trip to Herman Lake and back.  The highest point on the (CDT) national scenic trail is Greys Peak at 14,270'.  It is located directly across I-70 from the TH today.

On trail with Mount Bethel (12,705') ahead.

Trail starts parallel with I-70, as it climbs through fir and Aspen forest.  Hikers are plagued with the sounds of cars and big rigs rolling along the Interstate for the first half-mile.  After that, there is quiet, except for the sound of an occasional Grey Jay gliding into a tree overhead, and runoff water from the lake above.

Wildflowers line trail for miles. (Image provided by Dorothy Stranberg)

Trailbed today can best be described as varied in terms of composition and texture.  There are sections of mud, standing water, running springs across trail, and various methods to help hikers maneuver those areas.  There are man-made log bridges, other places logs are placed side by side allowing a stable somewhat dry surface.  There are rocks to hop across, a few places one simply has to either step into the running water or step over the span.

On trail with Pettingell Peak ahead at 13,553'.

In a span of 3+ miles, this may be the trail with the most varied and dense array of exposed tree roots I have experienced.  Just when you think you have crossed the last patch of interlaced tubular apendages, there is another, and another, and another, more extreme in its natural design then the last.

Despite the many opportunities for a hiker to catch a toe on a root or rock, one must remember to look up, or just stop and enjoy the terrain of this beautiful section of Arapaho National Forest. 

Penny and JoAnn encounter more knarly roots.

As we gain elevation, we hear the sounds of water tumbling thru the gulch below.  Trail runs parallel with the stream until it veers off at treeline about 11,450'.  Many who have described this hike have considered it a strenuous climb to the lake.  I would agree. 

Dorothy at Herman Lake. (Image provided by D. Stranberg)

Maybe it was the fact that I had hiked three straight days in the past week.  Today, my legs were saying enough after 3 miles of up.

Morning highlights include Mt. Bethel (12,705'), plus two more unnamed peaks well over 12,000' all on the south side of the gulch.  To the north, two more unnamed peaks stand equally as tall.

Scene on the descent through Herman Gulch.

To the front virtually all morning, in full view was Pettingell Peak (13,553'), perched directly behind Herman Lake.  On either side are a number of unnamed peaks above 13,000'.  The line between them being the Continental Divide.

Pinnate-Leaved Daisy

At a spot where trail makes a switchback for the final approach to the lake, I decide to stop for lunch, along with a few fellow group members. 

Numerous hikers, some with their dogs, one with an infant cinched to his back, had passed us during the morning.  We would see many of them again during the descent to the TH.

The sun was not a factor today.  Partly cloudy skies and a largly solid canopy for much of the morning kept the temperature at ground level comfortable.

Some felt the need to don an extra layer, especially on the return when skies threatened before dumping a light spray n the surrounding landscape.

The return on a trailbed laced with as many hazards as this one takes on extra caution for me.  A trip or worse a fall can occur when the body is fatigued and the mind is distracted if by only a second.


A giant moth feeding at a hanging basket in Georgetown.

Today, my camera would be secured in my pack for the descent.  Turned out to be a good decision because on the return, the rumble of distant thunder moved overhead as we came down the mountain.  Light rain forced us to slip into rain gear for the last part of the hike.

A short jaunt into Georgetown for coffee and ice cream topped the day.  All aboard were tired but in good spirits as we returned to the city.


High Country Hikers, front kneeling (L to R) JoAnn Alleman, Dorothy Stranberg, and Luisa Sandoval.  Standing (L to R) Charlotte Deters, John and Kathy Tedrick, Albert Barrientos, Alla Vigderman, Leader/Driver, Ed Blum, Penny Giese, Joe Jackson, and Nancy Bralic

Total Miles Completed = 7.4


NEXT WEEK:  Hike to Boulder Lake in the Eagles Nest Wilderness.  An O & B trek of 5.8 mi., this TH is north of Silverthorne on CO. Rt. 9.  Wear comfy boots, wear a cap, and layer your upper torso.   Pack a lunch, and rain gear.

REMEMBER:  The annual 'Gathering' is planned for Saturday, November 15th., from 11:00 to 3:00 p.m. at ACAA.  Mark your calendar for this fun season ending event.  RSVP for you and a guest to the writer by October 31st.