Backpack – Jonah, Whale, Shoestring and Martha Lakes

This is a leisurely backpack to several lakes near the Continental Divide in the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness. This should be a good time to enjoy the fall colors. We will follow the loop trail to four lakes (Jonah, Whale, Shoestring and Martha Lakes) from the Summit Lake trailhead at Buffalo Pass. We'll select a campsite near one of these lakes and spend the night there. Fishing (optional) is readily available at the various high alpine lakes. We may add an optional off-trail hike to nearby Albert Lake (2 mile RT) in the morning and then return to the trailhead and drive home on day 2. Be prepared for cool days and a cold night.

For a photo description of the route, see: http://www.joeandfrede.com/colorado/buffalo_pass/buffalo_pass.htm

Map: https://caltopo.com/map.html#ll=40.55975,-106.67785&z=14&b=t&o=r&n=0.25

Fall colors information: https://www.steamboatsprings-realestate.com/blog/fall-colors-radiate-in-steamboat-springs1/

A short backpack on a loop trail to four lakes near Buffalo Pass near Steamboat Springs. Parking lot near King Soopers at College Ave and Willox Ln in north Fort Collins at 11:00 a.m. We will carpool from this meeting place to the trailhead at Buffalo Pass west of Walden via highway 14 and Jackson County Rd 24. The last portion of the drive is on an unpaved road. High clearance 2WD vehicles can manage although an AWD vehicle would make the driving easier. The driving time from Fort Collins is estimated as 4 hours. One can also reach Buffalo Pass from Steamboat Springs via a similar rough road. Those driving from a location other than Fort Collins should contact the leader for alternative meeting places and times.