Copley Lake via Gunsight Pass Trail #585

Difficulty
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Moderate
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
2-3h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
6.0 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
340 m
User Ratings
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Directions to Trailhead

The Copley Lake via Gunsight Pass Trail #585 is a fun, albeit steep, hiking route in the Elk Mountains of Colorado that will see you climb sharply uphill to reach the serene shores of a small lake. While out hiking the trail, you will traverse the forests and meadows alongside Elk Creek, climbing uphill until you arrive at the picturesque subalpine destination of Copley Lake. If you don’t mind a bit of leg burn, this is an exceptional hiking route with spectacular views.

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Route Description for Copley Lake via Gunsight Pass Trail #585

Whether you are a casual hiker or a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, the Copley Lake via Gunsight Pass Trail #585 is a solid half-day hiking route that will provide you with a good amount of exercise and wonderfully scenic views of the surrounding woodlands and mountain peaks.

Setting out from the parking area, you will cross over Kebler Pass Road and pick up the footpath as it leads to the northwest, following along the banks of Elk Creek as you begin working your way uphill. Here, you will make your way through a lovely stretch of woodland terrain that is broken up by small meadows that will be filled with wildflowers in the summer.

After working your way through the most dense portion of forest along the route, you will arrive at the shores of Copley Lake and be inundated with beautiful views across the water that include the surrounding forests and mountains. After spending some time by the lake, you will make your way back down the same trail omn the return to your vehicle below.

Getting to the Copley Lake via Gunsight Pass Trail #585 Trailhead

The trailhead for the Copley Lake via Gunsight Pass Trail #585 can be found 6.9 km southwest of Crested Butte at a roadside parking area on Kebler Pass Road.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    No

  • When to do

    April-November

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Copley Lake via Gunsight Pass Trail #585 Elevation Graph

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Copley Lake via Gunsight Pass Trail #585 Reviews

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