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Guanella Pass

Trip

RMOTHG Trip – Squaretop Lakes via Guanella Pass

From 11,700-foot Guanella Pass, we will head down a well-established trail to Square Top Lakes, two pretty alpine lakes with views of Mt. Bierstadt and the surrounding area. This is an out- and back- hike.

Contacts

Joanne Stanton
Joanne Stanton
Primary Leader
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 4.9 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 955 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 12,265 ft
  • Pace: 1.5 - 2.0

This is a lovely five mile out-and-back hike from Guanella Pass to upper Square Top Lake with a brief pause at the lower lake. We'll stop at the upper lake for a snack/lunch. There are some steep sections on this hike which can be challenging since we are at higher elevation.  Please make sure you are comfortable hiking at this altitude before signing up. We will also run into small stream crossings where it is muddy and slippery, so consider bringing a change of shoes and something to put your muddy boots into if needed.  We'll maintain a 1.5-2.0 mph pace and stop as needed.  We can add on another mile by hiking the Square Top Mountain trail for a bit if the group has interest. 

 https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/colorado/south-park-600-to-square-top-lakes?u=i&sh=n0tglc

We will meet at Wooly Mammoth Park and Ride section BB at 7:00 a.m. for a prompt 7:10 a.m. departure. Address is 18560 US-40, Golden CO 80401.  We may move up the departure time by 30 minutes depending on the weather forecast and will notify participants if this is the case. 

Roster
Route/Place

Guanella Pass

Required Equipment

Required Equipment

As always, bring your ten essentials.  This trail is above tree line and fully exposed to sun and weather, so plan accordingly.    Please plan to reimburse your driver for gas.  Mileage is 84 miles round trip so the cost will be $42 per car (84 x $.50) 

$15 annual RMOTHG Membership Dues are required to participate. Please contact the office at 303-279-3080 ext. 3 or office@cmc.org to join!

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