Lake Stuart and Colchuck Lake Hike
Lake Stuart and Colchuck Lakes are gorgeous alpine lakes in the aptly named Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Colchuck Lake is one of the most visited lakes in the region, and Lake Stuart isn’t far behind. No need to pick which one to visit when you can see both on one trail! Thanks to the campsites along this route, you can also make a backpacking trip out of this adventure, giving you more time to enjoy this great trail. Expect moderate traffic on this hike. Enjoy lots of wildflowers in the early summer.
If you’d prefer a shorter and slightly easier trip, you can also visit Colchuck Lake or Lake Stuart on their own.
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Route Description for Lake Stuart and Colchuck Lake Hike
Since Colchuck Lake and Stuart Lake are such great destinations in their own right, it’s a happy coincidence that both can be reached in one go on the same trail. This is a hard but very beautiful hike that shows off the local wildflowers in the early summer.
Begin from the trailhead. The first mile and a half climbs gradually, taking you through a forest that becomes less dense the further you get. Cross over to the right bank of Mountaineer Creek and then prepare for the trail to steepen.
Arrive at the junction, where the right-hand trail goes to Stuart and the left to Colchuck. Stay right and enjoy a flatter section of trail until the final push up to Lake Stuart. Rest up by the shores and enjoy the views before retracing your steps back to the junction. Now, stay left onto Colchuck Lake Trail. You’ll cross another bridge and come up to a rocky stretch of the route. You’ll need to navigate over some boulders as you cross over a talus slope.
Out of the rocks, the grade increases. While the switchbacks seem rather moderate at first, the trail gets rockier and steeper the closer you get to the lake. Keep going, looking for peeks of Dragontail as portions of the view open up.
The trail turns to the right before dropping into a swale. Here, the lake appears before you. There’s a large granite slab in front of the lake that’s perfect to plop down on for a rest and a packed lunch, or you can pick out the trail along the lakeshore. It goes less than a mile around and isn’t in great condition, but it’s a good way to change your view a little.
The trail around the lake turns at a tarn. Most people here are tempted to stay on a clear footpath on the right, but you’ll want to keep left on the rockier trail. It goes until the terminal moraine of the Colchuck Glacier before dying out.
When you’re ready, you’ll make your way back to the trailhead on the same route you used to reach the lakes.
Insider Hints for Lake Stuart and Colchuck Lake Hike
- Permits are required if you plan to camp.
- Bug spray is recommended for this hike.
Getting to the Lake Stuart and Colchuck Lake Hike Trailhead
The trailhead for the Lake Stuart Trail is at the Lake Stuart Trailhead on Forest Service Road 7601.
Route Information
Lake Stuart and Colchuck Lake Hike Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherLake Stuart and Colchuck Lake Hike Reviews
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