Keep Kool Butte

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Keep Kool Butte (Point 5933) is a summit along the ridge line of the High Divide, but it's located in between the reaches of officially maintained trails. This makes it far less visited than nearby landmarks like Welcome Pass and Yellow Aster Butte. The easier way to reach Keep Kool's summit is via Yellow Aster Butte Trail #686.1 and a short portion of Tomyhoi Peak Trail, but the more adventurous and off-the-beaten path option is the what's mapped here, taking the "abandoned" Keep Kool Trail straight up from the road.

Keep Kool Butte is accessed off of Twin Lakes Road, and because of how sparsely used this trail is, finding the exit can sometimes be a challenge. Park your car anywhere on the road that makes sense, i.e. so other vehicles can still get around you and so you have a safe turnaround spot, then start climbing the trail.

The trail is fairly obvious but there may be occasional overgrown and eroded sections that challenge your route-finding abilities, so, maybe just have the onX map downloaded to help stay on track. The last time I hiked this trail there were a lot of fallen trees and overgrown sections of trail, so you can expect a little bushwhacking at times. A long-sleeved shirt and pants might be nice.

You're sure to find solitude and peace of mind on this trail. The steep climb through the woods will eventually deliver you to treeline and a meadow with some tarns. The views from here are great, but a bit more climbing is still in store. Turning right from this lakes area would take you to the much more popular Yellow Aster Butte and the trail to Tomyhoi Peak, but you want to turn left, taking the ridgeline of the High Divide.

In just half a mile more of steep meadow and talus walking, you'll be standing on top of Keep Kool Butte (5,933 feet), and likely have it all to yourself.

Lots of huckleberry bushes!