Hiking – Lake Xanadu

Starting from the 4th of July Trailhead, the hike to the wreckage of a 1971 plane crash near Lake Xanadu in the Indian Peaks Wilderness offers a somber yet fascinating journey. The route traverses dense forests and rugged terrain, combining both on-trail and off-trail hiking through the Lake Xanadu watershed, nestled below Mount Jasper. As we progress along the route marked by the passage of time and nature's reclamation, we reach the poignant remains of the crash site near the lake. Here, the scattered remnants of the aircraft amidst the serene backdrop of the lake serve as a stark reminder of the tragedy, evoking a deep sense of reflection and respect for those who lost their lives. We'll stop at a comfortable spot for lunch/snack and then make our way back to the trailhead by the same route. Our pace will be consistent with completing this hike in a reasonable amount of time. Overall ~6 miles and ~1900 ft elevation gain. (Lake Xanadu - CalTopo)

The Bobcats’ mission is to ensure a variety of adventurous CMC trips, mostly on weekdays, all year long. Our trips tend to be faster-paced, on more challenging routes, and with fewer stops. We foster a strong community of hikers seeking challenge, discovery, and camaraderie. You can search the CMC Calendar for Bobcat trips any time by selecting “Bobcats Section” in the CMC Trip Calendar “Section pull-down menu. To join our free mailing list and become a member, select the Bobcats Section anytime in your Member Profile. (Bobcats Section — The Colorado Mountain Club)

Carpool Place & Time: Meet at the Plainview Rd Parking Area at 6:30AM, for a 6:45AM departure (39°52'32.9"N 105°16'09.4"W - Google Maps)

We'll carpool to the Fourth of July Trailhead Parking Lot (Fourth of July Trailhead - Google Maps)