In The Shadow of Longs Peak
Clayton Lake
07 August 2005
An appeal of Clayton Lake is that no established trails exist to it nor to it’s neighbor above, Iceberg Lake.
The trailhead for this is the East Portal of the Moffat Tunnel, about 10 miles west of Rollinsville on Hwy 119 – the peak-to-peak highway. The road to the East Portal, though not paved, is good all-weather gravel. As you drive west drink in the view of the Continental Divide – Clayton Lake is nestled below those peaks.
There is a parking area just before the tunnel. The main parking area generally fills up on the weekend but there is an overflow area to the east of the main parking lot where, generally, a spot can be found. The trailhead is just to the north of the tunnel. In the past, one crossed the tracks to get to the start of the South Boulder Creek Trail. No more. Now, the trailhead is across from the parking area, runs along the north side of the tunnel, then turns south to join back to the original trail.
The trail follows South Boulder Creek, though not necessarily along side it. The trail itself is an old road, whose history is unknown to me.
You’ve note that trail climbs almost from the beginning. If you ski this in winter, use skins for the uphill then enjoy the glide out!
After a mile, you’ll reach an open meadow. There is a cabin at the bottom of the meadow and down toward the creek. Here, the trail forks with one branch turning sharply north toward Arapahoe and Forest Lakes. Some of the maps also indicate a gravesite at this meadow. We did find it, neared a downed tree, in the area west of the main trail – and east of the Forest Lakes trail very near the junction.
Our destination is still to the south, via the trail to Crater Lakes. In previous times, the trail to Crater Lakes was not marked at all. As you continue up the south branch of the boulder creek trail, you will see many cutoffs covered with branches. These are the beginnings of the various social trails that lead to the Crater Lakes.
Continue up the South Boulder Creek Trail to the well-marked junction of the Crater Lakes Trail. On many maps, there is a trail to Crater Lakes indicated. The new trail, in many places, converges with this old trail. Turn and follow the Crater Lakes Trail, which is a stiff uphill climb. Persevere, for the rewards are many.
Another interesting thing to note along this segment of the trail is the abundance of old cables and insulators, perhaps remnants of an old telegraph line, history unknown. Though perhaps they are related to the construction of the Moffet Tunnel which lays deep below Crater Lake.
Continue up the Crater Lake Trail. At elevation 10,530 there is a tree down at the edge of the trail. Now you are near the start of the nearly level traverse to Clayton Lake, which is a fairly well defined trail but not an official trail. Hike south a mile or so to the intersection of another well defined but not official trail.
The trail is runs the length of the outlet stream from Clayton Lake and Iceberg Lakes. Turn west, hike uphill another half mile to Clayton Lake. Your efforts are rewarded!