Square Top Lakes -Guanella Pass

Let’s do our first hike this year above 12,000 feet. Based on recent alltrails reviews, it sounds like the trail is in pretty good shape, but be prepared for some mud and potential snowy places up higher…though it doesn’t sound like much snow. If anybody is interested, I’d be open to having lunch in Georgetown afterwards…maybe at Cabin Creek Brewing. They have a nice patio on the lake if the weather is nice enough…otherwise we could sit indoors. But I’m open to other restaurant suggestions too.

Difficulty: about 5 to 5.5 miles with about 1,300 feet elevation gain. Highest elevation at the upper lake is about 12,300 feet.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: The Square Top Lakes Trail is a wonderful high alpine hike to two scenic lakes with wonderful views of Mt. Bierstadt and Mt. Evans to the East. The entire trail is without trees which allows you 360 degree views during the entire hike. We will plan to hike around the upper lake to the extent possible and take a break there, so bring some snacks. See the following hike in Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/south-park-600-to-square-top-lakes

DOGS ALLOWED IF FOLLOW RULES: Allowed on a leash. Please be sure your dog is well behaved and can handle the length of the walk. Dog owners must clean up pet excrement.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the Square Tops Lakes trailhead which is at Guanella Pass and on the other side of the road from the Mount Bierstadt hike. To get there, you can click on the alltrails link above and click directions. Or if you use google maps, you can type in “Square Tops Lakes” 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, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, gloves, bug repellant, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential.

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=39.59138000000007&lon=-105.74139999999994

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.