Snowshoe Fern and Odessa Lakes in RMNP

DISTANCE: 10.5 to 11.5 (Includes 1.8 miles RT from road closure to TH)

SKILL LEVEL: MODERATE to STRENUOUS (This is not a beginner hike!)

Start-End Elevation: 8,165' to 10,023'

Net Elevation Change: +1,858'

ALL MEMBERS MUST JOIN THE WAIT LIST TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS HIKE... Members will be added based on my own and/or the groups past hiking experience with members and other factors. RSVP and no-show history will be considered as well. If you do not make it on the attending list for this hike, we will see you on the next one! :)

CARPOOL: 7:00 is the Carpool time, NOT the Trailhead time!!

For those interested in carpooling from Denver, I suggest meeting at the 88th and Sheridan Park-n-Ride (west side of Hwy 36, north end of lot) at 6:50 and leaving no later than 7:00. I will not be at the carpool location, but will meet attendees at the trailhead. We will leave the trailhead at 8:45.

DIRECTIONS:

From Lyons continue on Hwy 36 to Estes Park... The Beaver Meadows Entrance Station is located 3.6 miles west of Estes Park..follows the signs.

The Fern Lake Trailhead is located 4.1 miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. Immediately after the entrance station, turn left on Bear Lake Road and travel 2 miles to Moraine Park Road. Turn right on Moraine Park Road and follow signs to the Cub Lake Trailhead. It is my understanding that in the winter months the road is closed .2 miles from the Cub Lake TH and .9 miles from the Fern Lake TH. So, we will park at the road closure and hike in to the trailhead.

TRAIL RESTRICTIONS:

Dogs Allowed: NO

TRAIL DESCRIPTION:

The trail starts out gradual and at about 1.5 miles the trail steepens considerably. A few things worth noting on the trail to Fern Lake is Windy Gulch Cascades, Fern Falls and Marguerite Falls. Depending on the avalanche danger we will continue from Fern Lake up Fern Creek a steep .7 miles and about 500 feet to Odessa Lake.

EXTRAS:

Should bring emergency headlamp, snowshoes, micro spikes, hiking poles, extra warm gloves & clothing, protective eyewear in case of extreme wind exposure and blowing snow. Full face masks highly recommended. Hand and toe warmers are a very good idea!! Also bring extra water, and plan for what to do in case your Camel Back Water Tube freezes up. Bottled waters will freeze solid as well.

By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for your own safety and will do the necessary research to understand the conditions of this hike and the gear you will require.

APRES HIKE:

The Wapiti Restaurant & Pub

247 W. Elkhorn Ave., Estes Park, CO