Mica Basin Trail #1162

Dogs Off-leash

Features Commonly Backpacked · Lake · Wildflowers

This is in Mount Zirkel Wilderness. Please adhere to all posted Wilderness regulations.

A solid and sustained uphill with lots of water to filter.

Most runners choose to head up this spur for its ample camping possibilities while doing the Zirkel Circle. It adds a few miles to the loop but makes for a great first night's destination with access to lots of water and a number of circling peaks to explore. With the exception of a couple dry and steeper switchbacking sections, the trail is fairly gradual but almost entirely uphill heading north.

Toward the end of September, we encountered a black bear that was right off the trail eating berries.