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Ascending Hikes – Mt Blue Sky - Summit Lake

Trip

Ascending Hikes – Mt Blue Sky - Summit Lake

We're going to try and squeeze in one more Mt Blue Sky Wilderness hike in before the road closes - fingers crossed. Discover the remarkable diversity of the Mount Blue Sky Wilderness on this full-day adventure featuring two outstanding hikes. We'll begin on the M. Walter Pesman Trail, where we'll explore one of Colorado's finest stands of ancient bristlecone pines and learn about these resilient trees that have survived for centuries in the harsh alpine environment. Afterward, we'll head to the Chicago Lakes Trail to hike to the beautiful alpine lakes below Mount Blue Sky, enjoying waterfalls, mountain scenery, and outstanding views while experiencing two of the wilderness area's most iconic destinations in a single day.

Contacts

Wayne Howell
Wayne Howell
Primary Leader
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 6.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,200 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 12,862 ft
  • Pace: 1.5 - 2.0 MPH

Spend the day exploring two of the Mount Blue Sky Wilderness's most remarkable alpine landscapes on hikes that showcase the area's natural beauty and ecological diversity. We'll begin on the M. Walter Pesman Trail, following a gentle route through subalpine forest before entering the windswept alpine zone, where centuries-old bristlecone pines cling to the rocky slopes. After completing our first hike, we'll make the short drive to the Summit Lake Trailhead for our second adventure on the Chicago Lakes Trail. Beginning above 12,800 feet, this rugged alpine trail descends through alpine tundra and talus to the pristine Upper and Lower Chicago Lakes nestled beneath towering granite cliffs, with spectacular views of Mount Blue Sky and opportunities to observe pikas, marmots, mountain goats, and other alpine wildlife. Together, these two hikes provide an exceptional opportunity to experience the Mount Blue Sky Wilderness. We'll find a sunny, comfortable spot at/near Chicago Lakes to have a snack/lunch. Combined, overall ~6 miles and ~2150 ft elevation gain. (Mount Blue Sky Wilderness - CalTopo)

Carpool Place & Time: Meet at Wooly Mammoth PnR (Section BB) 6:30am, for 6:45am latest departure (Wooly Mammoth Park-N-Ride - Google Maps)

We'll then carpool to the Mt Galbraith Natural Area and Summit Lake Parking Areas (Mount Goliath Natural Area & Dos Chappell Nature Center - Google Maps)

Roster
Route/Place

Mt. Blue Sky

Required Equipment

Required Equipment

10 essentials are required. Trekking poles are recommended.

Trip Reports