However, Lake Andrew is unlikely to be as popular a destination as Lower Ausable, so skiers probably will need to break trail. Turning right and and starting to climb, you will pass the Andrews Creek campground. right: 360px; /* IE6 does not respect left and right together */ I think I would camp at Andrews Creek next time, and take the time to explore up to the Sky Pond or hang out around The Loch.. What a breathtaking view as you drive to the trail head. Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, Are the prices for this place or activity, Would you recommend this place or activity to a friend looking for an, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, Is this a place or activity you would go to on a, Bear Lake Road, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO, Andrews tarn and glacier were the highlight of a loop hike that took in nine glacial lakes. This hike goes past The Loch, Lake of Glass and Sky Pond, on the way passing the beautiful Timberline Falls. parseInt("360px") + 'px'); Location: Panama City Beach Lat-Lon: 30.13484,-85.742847 Fees: $4-8 per vehicle. The descent is about 3 miles back to Bear Lake. it in July and its hard to make your way through boulderfield bellow the Tarn. Back at the turnoff I headed south to Timberline falls, then climbed up to the lake of Glass (8) and Sky pond (9). From Bear lake (1) I followed the popular route to Nymph (2), Dream (3) and Emerald (4) lakes. Explore the Rocky Mountain National Park on this all-day trip from Denver or Boulder. This trail goes by Andrews Lake. The terrain in the Gash is simply amazing. Andrews Bald is accessed via the Forney Ridge Trail, which is located at the far end of the parking lot. #layout { Saved to My Backpack. Located on Wilson Street, behind the Andrews Public Library and Ronnieâs restaurant. width: 0; The bald itself is nothing to look at honestly. Length. --> It was a little buggy, but not bad. Trail Description: Back in the day, the hike to Andrews Bald used to traverse one of the most rugged and rocky trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Mount Rainier Area -- SW - Longmire/Paradise. Could've been twelve if the weather had held up. We had our snacks there hung out and rested a bit and then headed on for the crawl out. You can find trail here and there, but thinking if this whole lower area was snow covered how much easier it would have been. Due to the extreme popularity of the Bear Lake Road area you may want to consider using the free park shuttle system to reach the trailhead during peak tourist season. The final climb is pretty steep & rugged but if you're wondering if it's worth the effort it definitely is. } St. Andrews Park - St. Andrews Lake Hike Info. 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Go Hiking Hiking Guide St. Andrews Park - St. Andrews Lake. RMNP loop hike Flattop Mountain to Andrews Glacier. Day 119: Breitenbush Lake (Mi. Our 9-year-old tackled this hike but the way out was A LOT of stopping and resting. min-width: 0; Lazy day lazy day! Festivities were held at a small lake 3 miles into the hike, and included baked goods from Bend, ring pops, and huckleberries picked from nearby bushes. The block of the elevation gain is in this section. Look carefully for the trail, signs of a trail and cairns that help mark the way. The hike to Andrews Tarn in Rocky Mountain National Park begins from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, located on Bear Lake Road almost eight miles from the turn-off at Highway 36. You must make an early start to get parking in Glacier Gorge during the tourist season. Hike Profiles for Rocky Mountain National Park and Surrounding Areas: Andrews Peak The summit of Andrews Peak is in a remote location on the park's western slope.From the East Inlet Trail at Lake Verna, the hike to the top of Andrews Peak is a steep ascent with no trail access. Mount Rainier Area -- SW - Longmire/Paradise. Elevation. parseInt("0") - Normally I'm adept at following trails, but coming out of the trees I either missed a turn or followed a badly placed cairn into a meadow with that most embarrassing of signs: "Restoration area, stay off." Know what you are doing when you are in the snow. Gorgeous stream and wildflowers, including a few columbines. Remember, hikers: elk have the right of way. The climb can be made year round, but there is avalanche danger during the winter. The hike itself is considered so minor among the group that, in a list of 17 Bear Lake Corridor Trails, it isnât even listed. Could've been twelve if the weather had held up. It soon turns to a wide dirt trail and heads south working its way up the hillside on a ⦠I did. If you can't make an early start during the high season, park your car at the Park and Ride and take the Free Shuttle to the Glacier Gorge trail head. Follow the paved trail across the west side of the lake. Once you turn off US 550, head up the paved road. Beautiful & well worth the effort we put in. Suddenly as you crest the top of the moraine the glacier comes into view, travel a few paces closer and the tarn almost appears out of nowhere. Itâs frequently part of my running route and I always feel compelled to stop for a ⦠The trail to the Andrews Tarn begins at either the Glacier Gorge Trailhead (see driving directions above), or at the Bear Lake Trailhead (driving directions).Because the Glacier Gorge Trailhead has a much smaller lot, you may need to drive further up to Bear Lake. The lake itself is not very good for waterbirds, but the boggy willows can support Fox and Lincolnâs Sparrows, Wilsonâs and MacGillivrayâs Warblers, and Dusky Flycatcher, and the spruce-fir could produce Pine Grosbeak, Hammondâs Flycatcher, Red Crossbill, and more. Those interested in a short hike can follow the 1 mile trail that travels around the lake. The upper parking lot at Andrews Lake we have spent several nights in sleeping in the back of our pickup. Since the trail offers incredible views of the Great Smoky Mountains and surrounding highlands, it is the perfect hike for fit families â the trail should take approximately three hours. _width: expression(this.parentNode.offsetWidth - Brr! Itâs stunning. Between Dream and Emerald I needed to wait for ten grazing elk to move away from the trail. The hike to the bald was very beautiful. I had planned to get in one more side trip to Glacier falls, Mills (10), Jewel (11) and Black (12) lakes, but with clouds rolling in I wimped out and headed back to Bear lake via Alberta falls. This trail shares much of the nearby Sky Pond Trail, but it diverts for the last mile up a much less-traveled, more rugged and more pristine gorge. Andrews tarn and glacier were the highlight of a loop hike that took in nine glacial lakes. Finally reached Andrews tarn (7) and walked around to the foot of the glacier. Our destination was South Puyallup River camp, then St. Andrews Lake on Thursday. The turn-off to Andrews Lake is 0.9 mile past the pass on your left. padding-left: 0; The turn-off to Andrews Lake is 6.3 miles past the pass on your right. Hiking trip report, map, and photos for Snowdon Peak from Andrews Lake, located in San Juan National Forest, Colorado. The entire hike is scenic start to finish. The most notable spire to the left is the Sharkstooth. It starts with the overpopulated Alberta Falls, take a quick glimpse and then keep hiking. stability in the scree and rough terrain in the Gash. body { Andrews Glacier Trail is a 9.3-mile in-out hike in the Bear Lake Area of Rocky Mountain National Park. Sample photographs of the hike to Andrews Tarn: The Sharkstooth from near Andrews Tarn: Andrews Tarn, facing Otis Peak: Andrews Tarn topographic map width: 360px; Eventually you'll reach Andrews Tarn, a small lake that feeds Andrews Creek located at the base of the glacier. Your eyes can not even handle the sheer beauty all around you as you will find yourself constantly saying omg! Straight ahead to the west the trail steepens even more and you keep to the right side wall before coming back to the left, across the wall straight in front of you, climbing all the while. There is a Forest Service campground and trailhead at Little Molas Lake (west of the highway and just north of Molas Pass). 10 Trip Reports for this trail, below St. Andrews Park - St. Andrews Lake Map & Directions. From the Glacier Gorge trailhead, head southwest. Conflicting cairns caused us to lose the trail on the way up, but we were able to stay on it the entire way back. Hope you brought sturdy hiking boots. min-width: 0; #layout .region-inner { As you get higher the gash opens up into an oblong cirque stretching to the left. Black Swift Andrews Lake. Hikers crossing the Flattop have the option of descending into Glacier Basin by glissading down the face of Andrews Glacier. I also think I would rather do this earlier in season. In comparison, the ski trip up the gravel road to Lower Ausable Lake entails a gain of 650 feet over 4.1 miles. It is one of a series of iconic hikes sprouting from the core Glacier Gorge loop. The bald is several acres in area, so explore around. Never tasted water so pure & cold. 360 Degree Panorama Andrews Glacier and Andrews Tarn Trailhead The start point for the hike is at the Bear Lake trailhead, the most popular in the park, with space for several hundred vehicles, yet even this is insufficient in summer when most hikers have to leave vehicles several miles back down the road and travel the remaining distance by shuttlebus. Wow! In the old days Rangers would actually lead hikes across Flattop so the group could slide down the glacier and make a grand loop. Enjoy your adventure. St. Andrews Park - St. Andrews Lake. Doh, the trail was just a few strides north in the rocks. The trail alternate between gradual and moderate grade by the brook and is very rocky in places. We even drank some pure glacier water right from the source, taking the chance to forgo using the water filter. In the off season (lots of snow) parking is less of an issue. To find the site, hike up pretty Andrews Creek Trail to a wooden sign and go right to the campsite. We walked the road 4.1 miles to the South Puyallup River trailhead. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from July until September. #layout .content-outer { But, thatâs part of the reason we chose the trail. .main-inner .fauxcolumn-center-outer { If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. All photos and maps may be freely used for non-commercial purposes when accompanied with a caption giving credit to gjhikes.com. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. .main-inner .fauxcolumn-left-outer { Elevation gain from trailhead to campsite is 1,320 feet. } The glacier wasn't as steep as I first thought, I recommend crampons. (Also the home of the Andrews Disc Golf Course.) } Begin by hiking up to the lovely Alberta Falls (see Alberta Falls in ⦠Good times. Then back to the junction and on to lake Haiyaha (5) and the Loch (6). Turning right will take you up to Andrews Glacier. _width: 930px; The entire hike is scenic, Hallett summit was nice, The Loch is gorgeous. 1/2 a ⦠Please choose a different date. The left-hand trail here leads toward Timberline Falls, Lake of Glass, and Sky Pond. Fortunately I wasn't the only one. The City of Silverton maintains a campground at Molas Lake where you can also find pay showers. margin-right: -360px; .content-outer, .content-fauxcolumn-outer, .region-inner { Once up to the beautiful Lake Solitude (2.0) the trail then ascends very close to the legendary White Cliffs viewing area. right: 100%; .main-inner .column-left-outer { Be prepared for a change in weather as a comfortable day suddenly got chilly as a crazy wind was blasting over the divide down the face of the glacier. } width: 800px; Take the trail left. This popular hiking trail is approximately 1.8 miles to Andrews Bald for a total of 3.6 miles round trip. Rating. Andrews Brook Trail Class 1 1450' elevation gain 3.0 mile (6.0 miles roundtrip) The most famous and most written about is the class 1, 3.0 miles one way, Andrews Brook Trail. This will be the first & last spot you can view Andrews Glacier until you are right at the foot of it due to the terrain blocking your view. I hiked up Flattop, peaked Hallett then hiked over to the Andrews Glacier. The trail runs adjacent to a Andrews Creek for 0.9 miles until it intersects with the Loch Vale Trail. Take the right-hand trail and hike the increasingly steep 1.1 miles to Andrews Tarn at the base of Andrews Glacier. This is the bi⦠To the north, you'll be looking at the southern wall of Otis peak while the Sharkstooth is visible to the south. Expansive views to the south include the surrounding mountains and Fontana Lake. Next up is The Loch which is stunningly beautiful. My son and I had fun hiking in the snow, mud and grassy path! From the parking lot you will hike to the Loch, passing Alberta Falls and Mills Junction along the way. The hike to Andrews Glacier is definitely on our list of top hikes anywhere. Situated on a small bench near Molas Pass, this is the epitome of scenic mountain lakes. } Mount Rainier Area. more. .main-inner .fauxcolumn-right-outer { Share. Starting at the southwest end of the parking area the trail skirts the west shore of the lake, crosses a meadow and ascends a tree covered hillside on ⦠Trekking poles may be of benefit for. On the glacier merry snowboarders were doing their thing. padding-right: 360px; This is a moderate one way trail in San Juan National Forest. Popular Rocky Mountain National Park Categories, Commonly searched for in Rocky Mountain National Park, Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park. From Cherokee, drive 20 miles north on Newfound Gap Road to reach Clingmans Dome Road. 2037.5) to Mi. Allow three to four hours hiking time to the site. Andrews Glacier â 9.2mi / 14.9km Visit one of parkâs few remaining glaciers on this strenuous, but rewarding hike. Going straight will take you to Sky Pond. From Durango, drive north on US 550 to Coal Bank Pass. Discover the rugged scenery of the Colorado mountains as you weave through small towns and travel over alpine passes. To get there drive 47 miles north of Durango on US - 550 or 7 miles south of Silverton and turn at the sign for the Andrews Lake Day Use Area. At about 3.6 miles from the parking lot you will come to a split in the trail. The campsite is located off the Andrews Creek Trail 0.2 miles above the Loch Vale Trail or 3.6 miles from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. At Round Pass we were surprised to ⦠The entire trail is very easy to follow until you're looking for the fork that leads to Andrews Glacier. } Inside the park, you’ll have the chance to take short hikes or simply relax. After turning onto the Andrews glacier trail I missed a turn and bungled into the Andrews creek campground, where a bemused camper asked that most embarrassing of questions: "Are you lost?" } It is 4 miles one way and 2,300 feet in elevation gain. The hike up to Sky Pond is popular for a reason. .main-inner .columns { min-width: 0; This isnât a long trail â just .75 mile â but itâs a pleasant gravel loop. The last mile is a lung buster. -->. Very large boulders, not many little ones. This is a 6.3 mile out-and-back hike with 2600 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 3-5 hours to complete. This ridge trail gets its name from a particularly large sinkhole located on the left at the very end of the trail. You cannot see the Glacier, but it is straight head, a little to the right and up very steep terrain. To the south of Andrews Tarn, you will find the Andrews Glacier Trail which leads down the valley. Crowded trail but I got to say hi to a yellow-bellied marmot and see the other side of the Shark's Tooth formation. Started our backpack trip on Wednesday afternoon. Ahhhhh! Head west on Andrews Glacier Trail and begin the steep ascent next to Andrews Creek. .main-inner .column-right-outer { All around you in the gorge, referred to as the Gash, are sheer rock walls and spires. } margin-left: -0; The hike to Crater Lake starts at pretty Andrews Lake, a popular fishing spot just south of Molas Pass (see driving directions). The glacier sits below Andrews Pass in a cirque just below the 12,486-foot Otis Peak. left: 0; So enjoy the spectacular views, from and on the way back down, from the glacier. Although the crowds of the parking lot wonât be here, ⦠Dogs ⦠RMNP loop hike Flattop Mountain to Andrews Glacier. At 1.7 miles, the trail opens to the large grassy field of Andrews Bald. width: auto; Obviously our litigation happy society put an end to that. 2062.4. After that no issues except pacing myself on steep talus slope below the tarn. The trail soon turns left and heads due west. That is over 500 feet per mile. Overview. Print St. Andrews Park - St. Andrews Lake Hike Info. Trailhead. Parking & Trailhead Information for Andrewâs Tarn and Glacier. Andrews Lake (elevation 10,744') is near Silverton, Colorado south of Molas Pass on Highway 550. Altogether, you gain 630 feet in the 4.7 miles between the trailhead and the lake. Lake View Trail - 4.75 Miles - Moderate to Difficult. Get there early if you donât want to hike with crowds. Andrews Creek Trail to Cathedral Lakes is a 38.4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Loomis, Washington that features a lake and is rated as difficult.