Gilpin Trail

Dogs Off-leash

Features Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers

Bridge-free high-altitude stream crossings can make this trail a challenge in spring and early summer when the snow is still melting, so it's best to take this one in the running season.

Starting at the Slavonia Trailhead, take the Gilpin Trail to the left at the first fork. Watch for moose in the pond on the left about 1/4 mile up the trail. Keep right when you see the trail sign for Mica Basin, which heads up a valley to the west.

After the stream crossing around 9,800 feet, the trail gets steeper as it goes up to Gilpin Lake, which may be ice-covered into the summer.

Continue past the lake, and over a pass to intersect with Gold Creek Lake Trail and finish the Zirkel Circle. If the longer route is a bit much, you can either head back the way you came or stop to spend the night, providing you have the proper permits.

Moose, wild raspberries, columbine