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Galena Lake, Pike/San Isabel National Forests

Difficulty

Moderate

Maps

USGS 7.5 Quadrangles: Holy Cross, Ruedi Reservoir, Trails Illustrated Map # 126-Holy Cross, Reudi Reservoir

Length

5 miles round trip, as an out and back

Directions

From Leadville take US 24 West (south) towards Buena Vista. Turn right on RD 300 West at the sign for the Leadville Fish Hatchery. Make a right on RD 5. At the yield sign, make a left on the paved road (RD 4). A sign for Turquoise Lake is in the median. Stay on RD 4 and follow signs for the Timberline Trailhead located on the west side of the lake. Hike north from Timberline Trailhead 2.5 miles to Galena Lake (1500 feet of elevation gain), then return.

Closest Town

For More Information

Pike/San Isabel National Forest http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/psicc/

Trek into the Holy Cross Wilderness and visit a crystal clear alpine lake resting at over 11,000 feet.  With Galena Mountain rising to your west this is truly a classic Colorado experience. A unique opportunity to amble in an area used by the elite US Army 10th Mountain Division for winter survival and mountain combat training during World War II. This trip follows a segment of the Colorado Trail/CDT and will take participants to Galena Lake and highlight work completed by CDTA and CTF volunteers over the past few years.  Contact: CDTC at 1-720-340-CDTC (2382) or the Arapaho Roosevelt National Forest’s Leadville Ranger District 719-486-7417.

Family Friendly Option

No modifications necessary unless a shorter distance is preferred.