Colchuck Lake Trail #1599.1

Dogs No Dogs

Features Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This beautiful trail is accessed from Stuart Lake Trail #1599 which starts at Stuart Lake Trailhead (3400' elevation). The first 2.3 miles of this trail, to the south side Colchuck Lake, is the most popular. The trail gradually climbs through the forest along Mountaineer Creek and at 2.6 miles the junction with Colchuck Lake Trail is reached. Look at the Stuart Lake Trail #1599 for the full description.

Turn left here, and the trail soon crosses Mountaineer Creek on a log bridge. The trail is sometimes steep and rough for the next 1.6 miles from the creek crossing to the north side of Colchuck lake, which is at 5570' elevation. There are beautiful views of Colchuck Lake, with Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak rising 3,000 feet above south end of lake.

The trail continues along western shore of lake to access campsites and the route up Aasgard Pass to the Enchantments.

The trail up Aasgard is short and stout from the moment it starts. The climb at Colchuck Lake to the pass is only 1.5 miles, but you gain 2200' of elevation in that 1.5 miles. From Aasgard Pass you'll have an amazing view into the Enchantments Lake Basin. This is one of the most premier views in the Enchantments! From the top of Aasgard, you'll continue down into the lake basin, passing numerous alpine lakes. This continues to the junction with Snow Lakes Trail #1553 approximately 1.9 miles after reaching the top of Aasgard Pass.

Wildflowers are prevalent throughout this region. Be on the lookout for mountain goats. They crave salt so please urinate in backcountry toilets when possible. When toilets are unavailable, please urinate on rocks, otherwise the mountain goats will tear up the ground and vegetation.