Name: Columbine Lake Trail Out and Back
Rating: 4.6

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Plan in onX Backcountry

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Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Allowed

Be respectful of hikers as they are by far the predominant users of this trail. As a reminder, please always yield to uphill traffic.

If the trail is muddy, ride through it rather than around it (keep singletrack single!).

The trail tops out at 12,700 ft so be prepared for alpine conditions (wind, cold, and potential lightning during storms).

Description

To get to the trail, turn onto Ophir Pass Road, cross the creek and park, and ride from there. Or to get a closer start, take a right on FS Rd 820 and park where the trail intersects the road (this road requires 4x4 and has very limited parking). Or, ride the Rainbow Trail from Silverton.

The first two miles are 90% hike a bike because the trail is so steep, but it flattens out that last mile until the lake. There is one exposed section as the trail crests the cirque and gains the shelf on the other side. The trek is worth every bit of suffering as the lake is absolutely gorgeous and as blue as can be. Once you turn around the descent back to the trailhead is a super fast technical descent with very well built (and sharp!) switchbacks.