Square Top Lakes

The turn off Main Street in Georgetown (8,500'),  took us to Guanella Pass Road, and the Pass of the same name.  After passing the parking lot for Mt. Bierstadt trailhead (11,669'), the South Park Trail trailhead lot is a few yards farther on the opposite side of the road.

There were 13 members of the High Country Hikers (HCH) group on board.  Everyone was cinched into their day packs and on trail in minutes.


HCH members leave the TH on South Park Trail.

This trail is all above tree line.  It can best be described as a lazy meandering path providing hikers a 360 degree view of Colorado's alpine tundra from start to finish. 

Neighboring Bierstadt Trail is one of the most popular in the state.  As a result, that lot is filled to capacity virtually every day of the week, causing many visitors to choose Square Top Lakes instead.

On trail with Mt. Wilcox (13,408') peeking above the horizon.

Trail begins with a brief descent through Alpine Tundra, before climbing to the first of two lakes at 12,048'.  The second is located at 12,300'.

Patches of willow, herbs, lichens and mosses dot the landscape above 11, 500'.  There are over 330 species of alpine tundra in Colorado.  The word Tundra is a Lappish term meaning land of no trees.

This is an extremely fragile landscape.  For hikers, it means remain on trail until you arrive at your destination.  If forced to go off trail, care must be taken when walking across open tundra. 

On trail, members of a group must follow the person in front of you.  Off trail, one should take a slightly different route than others in the group, always aware of stepping on fragile vegetation.

Weather here can be extreme.  Winds of 170 mph or more have been recorded.  Heavy snowfall is common.  Because the growing season is short, plants may grow a few inches tall over a period of years.  Consider this...what you see today may have taken hundreds of years in the making.

Indian Paintbrush

When the trail bed is littered with loose rock, or deeply eroded from extreme weather,  practice good hiking common sense.  Preserve the natural landscape and all its beauty for future generations to enjoy.

Remember to pack everything out that you brought into the back country.  One hikers motto says, 'Take many photos, leave only footprints". 

At the first of two lakes, everyone finds a spot for lunch.  Although it would be nice to remain for hours to enjoy the sights, exposure to incoming weather, brisk winds, and experience prompts us to secure our day packs and start for the TH.

Hiking in open landscape provides opportunities to observe many types of vegetation native to the high country.  The surrounding slopes are covered with colorful offerings like yarrow, sand lily, alpine pussytoes, elephant flower, alpine fireweed, parry's bellflower, tansy aster, slim scurfpea, red clover and king's crown.

Albert and Ed enjoy the landscape.

Directly behind the lake is Mt. Wilcox (13,408'), and Square Top Mountain (13,794').  Both peaks and the saddle between them makes up the awesome horizon.   


Final push to Square Top Lakes.

Today, their would be no lingering at this elevation,  Although the sky was not threatening we soon began our descent for the TH.  Before reaching the van, a few light rain drops were felt.

Back in Georgetown, riders had their choice of Ed's 1859 Café, on Main Street, for coffee or The Georgetown Valley Candy Co. and Ice Cream Parlor a block down Main Street, for hand dipped ice cream.  The town is always buzzing with tourists.  Today was no exception.  While some strolled down Main street window shopping, others found an empty bench and simply enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere of this quaint mountain town.

Front Row (L to R): Sara Bald, Jonell Bidwell, and Nancy Bralic.  Back Row (L to R): Gary Merical, Penny Giese, Joe Jackson, Dave Coover, Leader/Driver, Ed Blum, Doug Clark, Albert Barrientos, and Barbara Peck

Total Miles Completed = 5.0

NEXT WEEK:  We travel to the thriving...not so much...metropolis of Bakerville, and the Herman Gulch TH.  This 7 mile, O & B hike is considered moderate in terms of difficulty.  Trail conditions are good with some sections of loose rock.  There will be some high peaks, and the Continental Divide within sight.  Remember to pack a lunch, a minimum of 32oz. of water, and rail gear.  Wear comfortable boots, and a hat or cap, plus sunblock of SPF 30 or better and deet.    

ANNUAL GATHERING:
Reminder to mark your calendar.  The annual High Country Hikers group Gathering is planned for Saturday, November 15th., at ACAA.  The event will be from 11 a.m. to 3 pm.  Dress is hiker casual. RSVP for you and a guest to the writer on or before October 31st.  Planning committee members are needed to make this event enjoyable of all members.  Contact the writer by September 30th if you can help.