Indian Peaks Wilderness - Dorothy Lake

Mountain Harebells Frame the Indian Peaks (C) 2008 Jan Gorski

The guidebook said it was the highest, coldest lake in the state. Since the Indian Peaks Wilderness area is one of my favorite hiking destinations and I have never successfully made it to Lake Dorothy, I decided that this hike would be perfect for the first day of our three day weekend - especially since the weather forecast was the best for Saturday.

Parking at the trailhead is kind of like finding a parking space at the mall on Dec 24th ... the later you arrive the more creative you have to get to find a place to park your vehicle. Next time I'll have to remember to photograph the hundreds (?) of cars along the 1.5 car wide 4WD road that leads to the trailhead.

I'm not sure if it is because it is also a campground or if it is because it is one of the best hiking destinations around, but I suggest rolling out of bed as early as possible to get a legal parking spot. I lucked out this time and got one of the last actual "designated" parking spots at around 8:30am. I would be amazed as I descended the trail later in the day, at the number of hikers still trekking uphill - where the heck did they park? I also chuckled as I neared the end of the road back to Eldora, at the Boulder County Sheriff's vehicle that was headed uphill. The first trailhead you reach (Hessie), on the road to the 4th of July Campground, has even more limited parking and they do actually ticket and/or tow vehicles. This is for good reason, as I experienced a very tight squeeze between illegally parked cars when trying to exit that area in July during prime wildflower season.

Stream crossing - Might get your boots wet! (C) 2008 Jan Gorski

The trail to Dorothy Lake shares the Diamond Lake trailhead for about the first mile. You'll cross many streams and see incredible waterfalls, even in late August. The fields of flowers that mesmerize you in July, are gone by this late in the summer, but the beauty of nature still prevails. Once you turn right at the trail junction and head toward Arapaho Pass, the trail gets increasingly more difficult. (This junction also takes you to Caribou Pass, Arapaho Glacier and other adventures).

Rocky Trail leads to the lake (C) 2008 Jan Gorski

You are teased with a few switchbacks along the way but you quickly reach timberline and a trail that is exposed to the elements, for at least 2 miles to the nearest destination. Be sure the weather is on your side as you catch your breath and climb above 11,000'. Thunderstorms build very quickly and footing across these rocky moraines are not easy to navigate. My first attempt at visiting Lake Dorothy was thwarted by early morning thunderstorms and lots of rain and hail that had many of us doing some fancy footwork in an attempt to escape the imminent lightning.

Rusty boiler at 4th of July mine (C) 2008 Jan Gorski

After about 2 miles you will reach the ghostly reminders of the 4th of July mine. Colorado miners used this trail which was originally established by early Native Americans as a route to cross the imposing Continental Divide.

The trail is a bit wet in places (C) 2008 Jan Gorski

A few rusty pieces of equipment and large holes in the ground appear to be the only remainders of a time gone by, except for the river crossings that still have the orange stain of the mine tailings. Not much to see at the mine, but a nice place to catch your breath before the long desolate climb ahead.

Scenic view from the 4th of July mine (C) 2008 Jan Gorski

Keep your eyes and ears open for the squeak of the busy pika who is aware of your presence, but is gathering food to store away for the long winter ahead. If you are lucky you can spot the "whistle pig" - yellow bellied marmot sitting on a lofty perch trying to warm up in the Rocky Mountain sunshine. The wind picks up as you climb higher into the crystal blue skies, but until you reach the exposure of the pass the cool breeze feels good against your sweating body!

View towards upper Diamond Lake (C) 2008 Jan Gorski

Be sure to stop every now and then to take in the beauty of the peaks and alpine lakes that surround you. I believe that lake in the center of this photo is upper Diamond Lake but the map was not clear. In no time you will reach a saddle where you can get views to the NW of the devastation of the Pine Beetle near Lake Granby. Just below your lofty perch you'll catch a glimpse of Caribou Lake - shown in this photo below. The Continental Divide is just steps away.

View of Caribou Lake (C) 2008 Jan Gorski

Since there are multiple routes once you pass the junction to Arapaho Glacier or Arapaho Pass I asked a few passersby where the actual lake was. Most of the time the alpine lakes are the final destination since many end up below the cirque of a mountain, but up here you have many options for further exploration. After about 4 miles from the trailhead I reached Dorothy Lake. As advertised the wind was blowing steadily and it was quite cool - a nice reprieve from the 90 degree temperatures predicted for Denver. Luckily a large group of hikers were just leaving and I was able to find the perfect rock to enjoy a brief snack in solitude and a bit of entertainment by the side of the lake.

Lake Dorothy 12,061' (C) 2008 Jan Gorski

While I was waiting for the wind to subside so I might capture a reflection of Mt Neva in Lake Dorothy, I was rewarded with a very captivating show. Two brave souls were attempting to climb Mt. Neva via a very jagged ridge. Here is a photo of the general vicinity of these hikers to show you the scale factor.

Macro View of Mt Neva hikers from Lake Dorothy @lunch rock (C) 2008 Jan Gorski

Here is one of the close ups that my magical Nikon P80 Coolpix camera was able to capture (this camera ROCKS!)

Super-duper close up view of Mt. Neva hikers from Lake Dorothy (C) 2008 Jan Gorski

I felt like I could hang out there all day but the clouds were starting to build and the temperature started plummeting as the cloud cover increased. The wind didn't appear to have any interest in stopping to award me with a nice reflection photo so I headed downhill. On the way down I found these beautiful late summer flowers - the arctic gentian. I'm always amazed at how such delicate flowers survive in such rough terrain.

Arctic Gentian (C) 2008 Jan Gorski

As I descended the trail I saw many people trekking uphill to enjoy the beauty of God's country that surrounds us. How lucky we are to have this just a short (1.5 hour) drive away.

If you are interested in joining me on a hike in Colorado's high country I would be pleased to offer that service! Please leave a comment with your wishes and/or email address. We can concentrate on great photos, great locations, followed by gourmet food or all of the above!

Happy Trails!

Jan