This hike is off Independence Pass near Aspen and 4 hours from Denver. Great camping in the area.
Mary Wiener
303.818.9920 (before 9 pm)
mary.wiener25@gmail.com
A moderate day hike through forests, meadows, and rocky crags to a beautiful high mountain lake with magnificent views of the surrounding peaks. Fishing at the lake is fair and the wildflowers when in season are plentiful.
The trail follows Grizzly Creek and ascends steeply for the first 1/2 of a mile through a series of switchbacks. The next 1 1/2 miles are a gradual ascent through alternating pine and fir forests and wildflower meadows. A stream crossing beyond the last meadow can easily be negotiated except during spring runoff. For the next 1 1/2 miles, the trail ascends a steep rocky shelf then winds through alpine tundra toward a long hillside traverse which ends on a knoll hiding Grizzly Lake just ahead.
Denver CMCers Aspen is 4 hour drive. Lots of camping in the area.