South Park 600 to Square Top Lakes
Type … Hike
Highlights … Alpine Lake, Alpine Tundra, Views
Seasons … Summer + Fall (Guanella Summit Road only open Memorial Day to Thanksgiving)
Difficulty with Kids … Hard due to length and a gradual steep exposed trail
Trail Details … 4.9 Miles, Out + Back (AllTrails)
Closest Town … Georgetown
Shade … None (like, ZERO)
Parking Situation … Plenty
Potty Situation … Pit Toilets at Trailheads
Every year, I’m on a mission to find a few alpine lakes that my kids can feasibly do. This one is ideal for adventurous older kids who don’t mind some incline. The hike starts at Guanella summit so it’s gorgeous the entire way, though 100% above treeline so there won’t be a patch of shade to be found!
We did the hike in June when the wildflowers were just starting to come up and there were snowmelt streams along the way (which made for some fun rock hopping). At the top, there are a few lakes - one smaller and one larger. We had a big snack at the large lake and dipped our feet in before heading back down.
TRAIL TIPS
Start early on this one. Since this hike is 100% above treeline, there is zero shade and it will get hot. We started our ascent around 8am mid-June and by the time we were coming down at 10am, it was hot and folks headed uphill were on the struggle bus.
Be prepared to get muddy! The trail can get quite muddy (especially in the early summer months) and there are a few small stream crossing so waterproof footwear/boots is recommended.
High above the clouds. The trail starts at over 11,000 ft at the Guanella summit and ends around 12,000 ft so ensure that anyone you are with is acclimated to the altitude.
Guanella Summit closes during snowy seasons. The road to get to the trailhead is typically open Memorial Day to Thanksgiving.
Not a tree in sight!
Snow still hanging around in June
Square Top Lake
Smaller lake below, great views!