TR: Copley Lake Hike (13 July 2012)
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I’ve been hiking a lot this summer and exploring areas that are new for me. One of my hikes took me to Copley Lake, a trail not far out of the town of Crested Butte, but one that I’d still never been on before. I was pleasantly surprised.
My partner for the day was Eddy – thanks to Pete and Dara for letting him come out and play with me for a few hours.
The trail is largely double track, as it follows an old road just above Elk Creek.
The day was a bit hot. Eddy agreed.
With the beginning of summer starting out hot and dry, our wild flowers have been less plentiful than usual. But, the trail to Copley Lake had some of the best wild flowers I’ve seen all season.
Larkspur.
Chiming Bells.
Rosy Paintbrush.
Scarlett Paintbrush.
Anyone know what the yellow or white flowers in this photo are? I’m still learning my wild flowers! I suspect the yellow-colored flower is some sort of Groundsel, but I’m unsure of the the white flowers. The purple one is fireweed.
A little less than two miles up, the road opens up into a field. At the field, there is a cairn on the left, with a small trail leading beside it. That trail will take you to Copley Lake.
The lake was beautiful, with fantastic views of Ruby, Owen, and Purple in the background.
Eddy was tired.
Everything surrounding the lake was lush and green – a nice site, especially in a drought year.
We walked along the lake for a ways, veering off the beaten path for a bit. Eventually the trail trickles out.
The sky was also fantastically beautiful.
After spending some time enjoying the lake, it was time for Eddie and I to head back down.
Elevation profile and stats for the hike.
Google map and track.
View Copley Lake 7/13/12 in a larger map
My stats say the hike is a little over 4.5 miles round trip. But, for those not walking along the lake for a bit, the round trip distance is 4 miles. All in all, I highly recommend this hike – it’s close to town, has fantastic wildflowers, the scenery is excellent near the lake, and the distance is relatively short.
For more information on how to get here, check out my Crested Butte hiking guide.
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Purple flowers are Fireweed. At least that is what we call them in England 🙂
That’s what I just said, Ann. Now, what are the white ones?
Hah! Silly me! I completely forgot that fire weed can be purple. I’m so used to it being pink/fuscia! Thanks Ann!
Can you camp up there?
We’re not sure. There is some private property in that area.
Can you hike to Copley Lake from Lake Irwin?
There may be a trail that I don’t know about, and I have been that way in winter, but I also believe that that route may have private property. So the best route is probably the one described…
I do not currently know of a way to hike to Copley Lake from Lake Irwin – at least one that is easy. I have tried to find a way to go from Copley Lake to Irwin twice before and have ended up bushwhacking or blocked by private property. It seems like there should be a way. But, I haven’t found one.
Thanks Brittany. My topo map shows a trail there but was not sure. So, the trailhead you use is on Kebler Pass Rd and is there parking and a trailhead sign there for Copley Lake?
There is parking, but there is not a trailhead sign. At least, there hasn’t been one in past years…..
Thank you!