Trailhead: Wheeler Lakes USDA-FS
Difficulty: Moderate to more difficult
Altitude: 9671 feet
Elev. Gain/Loss: +1,437 feet
Highest Point: 11,079 feet (Wheeler Lakes)
Lowest Point: 9,671 feet (Trailhead)
Season: winter in general is Nov through May at the trailhead and longer at the higher elevations
Average Snowfall: 300 inches
Filed Under: Hiking, Running, Skiing, Snowshoeing
Difficulty: Moderate to more difficult
Trail Use: Low
Length: 3.06 miles one-way to Wheeler Lakes (elevation 11,079 feet)
Elevation Gain: +1,437 feet
Open To: non-motorized exclusive use
Federal designated wilderness rules apply at the wilderness boundary located about 1 mile from the trailhead.
This trail provides a good day hike for advanced users due to the elevation gain after the first mile.
The Wheeler Lakes Trail follows the Gore Range Trail for the first 2.83 miles of the trail.
From the parking area follow the trail south, paralleling I-70, for approximately 0.76 miles and the trail will curve gently to the right (west).
Approximately 0.39 miles past the HWY 91 off-ramp, the trail turns hard to the right (north).
The trail progresses quickly up through the aspen and lodgepole pine forest.
Approximately 2.83 miles from the trailhead, you will come to the intersection with the Wheeler Lakes spur trail.
Turn right (east) on the spur trail and travel approximately 0.26 miles to the Wheeler Lakes.
For the more ambitious user, you can travel approximately 1.84 miles on the Gore Range Trail to Lost Lake and then travel approximately 0.80 miles to the summit of Uneva Pass, elevation 11,900 feet.
WHEELER LAKES TRAILHEAD DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Located ON I-70 at the westbound scenic overlook exit 196 bewteen Officers Gulch and Copper Mountain exit ramps. From eastbound I-70 travel to Exit 198 Officers Gulch exit. Turn left at the exit ramp stop sign traveling underneath I-70 and turn left again on the westbound ramp to I-70 and then exit 196 Scenic Overlook.
Comments
Be the first to leave a comment, advice, or personal anecdote.
Leave a Comment