en en it en en en en en en en en en en en en en de en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en ceb en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en fr en en en en en en en en en ca en ja en en en es es es es en en
Mount Alice rules over the nicest part of Rocky Mountain National Park (in my opinion), the Wild Basin area. Due to long approaches most people never see more than a mile or two past the Wild Basin trailhead but if you are willing to put in a little time hiking you will see beautiful alpine lakes in all their blue and green splendor, stunning views of Long's Peak, Chief's Head, Meeker, Tanima, and more.
Start early as this is around 16 miles and 5000ft of gain round trip. Start at Wild Basin and follow the signs to Thunder Lake. Around 1.5 miles in you will come to a fork that points to campsites, take this, as this will save you nearly a mile. Using the shortcut it’s about 6 miles to the Ranger Cabin that is pictured. Now the easy part of the hike is done.
Follow the social trail heading west along the north side of Thunder Lake and if you look up to the Divide you might be able to spy the gully and the scramble you will eventually take to get up to Boulder Grand Pass. Just keep on the well marked and intuitive trail and enjoy the views, the flowers, the birds and the solitude. As you get closer to Lake of the Many Winds you will start to get great views of the backside of Long's Peak and the popular Key Hole route to its summit.
Once you arrive at Lake of the Many Winds it doesn’t matter which way you go but you must rock hop your way to the backside and the base of the scree field. Basically pick your way up the divide by whatever path seems best to you. Its a choose your own adventure sort of thing. Once on the divide make sure to look back and see lakes and mountain layers unfold behind you.
Now, from here it's a matter of picking your way over the tundra to the summit. It is not hard, but it is somewhat of a slog. Peek over the ledge from time to time as there are other gully's down to another lake (dont go down those though, ive done that, its not a smart move). Eventually the Lion Lake side of Mount Alice's domain starts to come into view as well as crystal clear views across to Long's. Count all the lakes, turn to the West and check out Grand Lake and the East Inlet and enjoy knowing you are on a part of Rocky Mountain National Park that not many people will ever see.
Pick your way back the way you came. Again, make very sure that you get back to the correct gully that leads down to Lake of the Many Winds. Do not go down the wrong gully to the wrong lake. Once you are at the gully slide down, pick your way around the lake and head back the way you came. It’s a long slog back to the trailhead but there are a lot of opportunities to soak one's feet in the river and revel in a day well spent.
Download the Outbound mobile app
Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.
Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Hike to Thunder Lake
Starting at the often-busy Wild Basin TH, the trail passes through dense forests as it follows the North Fork of the Saint Vrain River through the southernmost section of Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail passes alongside the small Copeland Falls before continuing west towards Calypso Cascades, Ouzel Falls and the Thunder Lake cutoff (though the backcountry campsite cutoff can save hikers...
Hike to Ouzel Falls
Located right outside of Rocky Mountain National Park, this hike is perfect for anyone looking to do a little exploring without the cost of a park fee. The drive through the Rocky Mountains to the trailhead is an added bonus. This hike is great because it has multiple attractions all along the way. Not long after you begin the hike you come across Copeland Falls and then shortly after you run i...
Backpack to Bluebird Lake
Starting at the Wild Basin trailhead on the south side of Rocky Mountain National Park, hike through a wet forest towards upper and lower Copeland Falls, located 0.45 miles from the trailhead. From here, continue on the main trail along the North Fork of the Saint Vrain River to Calypso Cascades, a beautiful tumbling waterfall with some incredible fly fishing for Brook Trout below the cascade a...
Ouzel & Ogallala Peaks
Begin at the Wild Basin Trailhead in southeastern Rocky Mountain National Park near the town of Allenspark. Plan to start before sunrise if attempting this trek as a day trip in order to avoid afternoon thunderstorms above the treeline. This trip can easily be made into a backpacking experience by camping at any of the campsites along the trail or at Upper Ouzel Creek (below Bluebird Lake). Gra...
Hike to Pear Lake
Pear lake is a beautiful alpine lake in the southern Wild Basin region of Rocky Mountain National Park. Once used as a reservoir, Pear Lake has been restored to its natural state and lies in scenic basin below some of the most isolated mountains in the park. The trail to Pear Lake passes through mature evergreen forests, aspen groves, fire clearings, and wet meadows that give occasional views o...
Hike to Finch Lake
There are several ways to reach finch lake but this will cover the route from the Finch Lake Trailhead in the wild basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park. You can also loop it with other trails in the area or begin at the Allenspark Trailhead, which is technically outside the park and a bit easier of a hike.  The trail to Finch Lake starts off with a climb up the moraine and through an ope...