It is wildflower time in Colorado. The peak is just about past but there is still time to get out and enjoy the flowers. I did a short hike to Silver Dollar Lake and Murray Lake near the summit of Guanella Pass. The paintbrush were going crazy in the meadow between the two lakes. The hike itself is relatively short but is steep in sections. It is about 5 mile roundtrip. Most of it is above treeline as well. The views are amazing but oxygen is in short supply. The trail meanders through the forest for about 1.2 mile before veering left. It then switchbacks steeply above the private lake to your right. The flowers start in earnest along drainage areas about halfway up the trail. Enjoy!
Red paintbrush, Silver Dollar Lake, near Guanella Pass, CO,
Wildflowers, Silver Dollar Lake trail, near Guanella Pass, CO
Wildflowers, Silver Dollar Lake trail, near Guanella Pass, CO
Wildflowers, Silver Dollar Lake trail, near Guanella Pass, CO
Wildflowers, Silver Dollar Lake trail, near Guanella Pass, CO
Wildflowers, Silver Dollar Lake trail, near Guanella Pass, CO
Wildflowers, Silver Dollar Lake trail, near Guanella Pass, CO
Wildflowers, Silver Dollar Lake trail, near Guanella Pass, CO
Wildflowers, Silver Dollar Lake trail, near Guanella Pass, CO
Wildflowers, Silver Dollar Lake trail, near Guanella Pass, CO
Wildflowers, Silver Dollar Lake trail, near Guanella Pass, CO
Wildflowers, Silver Dollar Lake trail, near Guanella Pass, CO
Lake Murray, Silver Dollar Lake trail, Guanella Pass, CO
To get to the Silver Dollar Lake trail, take the Guanella Pass road out of Georgetown, Colorado. Head south until reaching the campground near the summit. The turn for the trailhead is just past the campground and just before a steep switchback in the road. A parking area is on the right. Vehicles with a little clearance can easily make the higher parking lot about .75 mile up the road. Park before you reach the Naylor Lake lodge.
