Shelf Lake Hike - Off Guanella Pass

I’ve been wanting to do this hike…and the weather looks good for Wednesday. This hike is a first for me. I suggest bringing microspikes in case we need them as we get to 12,000 feet on this hike. If the weather forecast changes, I may cancel the hike. Also I am limiting the hike to 4 people as I can take 4 in my car. If I get others to sign up who can drive and there is interest, I will let more people on the hike.
Recent alltrails reviews indicate wildlife sightings (sheep, goats, moose)…which if you know me…is exciting. Of course we may not see any…but hoping…🤞🏻

The 3 mile dirt road leading to the trailhead can be difficult for 2WD vehicles. So 4WD high clearance vehicles are recommended. I will need volunteers with appropriate vehicles to drive the 4.5 mile drive from the Abyss Trailhead to the Shelf Lake Trailhead.

We hike as a group and hike at an average moving pace of about 2.5mph. Although the group may split up due to different hiking paces, everyone is expected to wait at all intersections & periodically otherwise so that we can regroup and so no one is left behind or hiking on their own for safety purposes. We will plan to take a break at the lake or elsewhere depending on the weather & we will stop as needed along the way for water, snacks, pictures, etc.

Hikes are always subject to date/time change or cancellation due to weather, trail conditions or closures, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Difficulty: about 7 to 7.5 miles with about 2,000 feet elevation gain. Highest elevation is about 12,000 feet.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: This hike follows the Smelter Gulch drainage up to Shelf Lake, located in a high mountain cirque. The trail traverses through a woodland gulch next to a babbling creek until you ascend the timberline and enter the alpine tundra. Hike the tundra to the shimmering alpine lake that is flanked by the rocky ridges of the Continental Divide. See the following hike in Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/shelf-lake-trail

DOGS: no dogs on this hike please.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: The road leading to the trailhead can be difficult for 2WD vehicles. 4WD high clearance vehicles are recommended. So we will meet at the Abyss trailhead and carpool 4.5 miles from there. For directions to the Abyss trailhead, you can click on the following alltrails link for directions: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/abyss-lake-via-abyss-lake-trail-602
Or if you use google maps, you can type in “Abyss Trailhead” for directions. If you use Apple Maps, you can type in “Abyss Lake Trail” for directions.

We wait 5 minutes for late arrivals…but no longer as that is inconsiderate to those arriving timely. So please allow extra time to get to the trailhead.

IMPORTANT: This is a participate at your own risk event! Life is risky. I am not a professional guide and am simply hosting this event. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are capable of performing this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.

NO SHOWS: If you are a no-show to 2 hikes, you will be booted from this meetup group. So please change your RSVP to “not going” if you are unable to make it.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Water, snacks, lunch, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential. PLEASE ALSO BRING MICROSPIKES IN CASE WE NEED THEM.

WEATHER: Here is the NOAA forecast for the hike location. For hourly temps, wind, precipitation, etc., click “Hourly Weather Forecast” in the upper right. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.59360000000004&lon=-105.79166999999995

REQUIRED WAIVER: If you have not already done so, you must sign the updated waiver with our new meetup name prior to this hike. I will have copies at the trailhead that you can sign or you may print, sign, and bring it with you from the following website: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p728z28jjuwdzws/Waiver%20Corona.pdf?dl=0
If you choose to sign at the trailhead, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike timely.