Introduction
Silver Dollar Lake Trail is a 4-mile trail located near Silver Plume, Colorado, offering breathtaking views and multiple lakes. The trail consists of three stunning lakes: Naylor Lake, Silver Dollar Lake, and Murray Lake. The trail is mostly a continuous upward climb, but it will not let you get bored; it has some scenic and peaceful views to make your hike adventurous. During the hike, you may come across marmots, and even Pikas are seen playing and chatting among them by some visitors of the trail. Strawberry Park Hot Springs is another top spot to visit in Colorado with kids and friends on vacation.
Silver Dollar Lake Trail Conditions​
Generally, the trail is in great condition to visit, as it provides lush and aesthetic vistas of flowers and wildlife. The three lakes passing by at some point add more beauty to the trail. Climbing upwards is mostly easier than returning to the trailhead. The trail can sometimes be snowy and muddy due to bad weather conditions.
Silver Dollar Lake Trail Directions​
The direction to the trail is easier for all visitors, even if you are visiting it for the first time, you have to reach Guanella Pass, which is the connection point of Georgetown and Grant. After reaching this point, you have to move on to South Guanella Pass. The trailhead is located at Naylor Lake Road.
Silver Dollar Lake Trail Parking​
The parking area of the trail is limited, and sometimes it can get crowded due to the limited slots available. The parking is close to the trail, but mostly it is a hit-or-miss situation for visitors. The two parking lots consist of 8 and 10 car parking lots, respectively.
Silver Dollar Lake Trail Weather
The trail is popular for its snow watching season in winter, as many visitors turn to the trail to gaze at the snow and hike through it. The summer season is popular for its swimming spots, and the spring season brings a crowd of visitors for the wildflowers blooming. In short, you can visit the trail at any time of the year with some expectations of adventure.
Guanella Pass Silver Dollar Lake Trail​
Guanella Pass is a high mountain pass with wildflowers and elevation that attracts visitors from the whole region. It was a former Burro Trail, which now offers 24 miles of scenic and glorious views. In addition, it also provides spectacular views of Mount Bierstadt, Mount Evans, and the alpine tundra. Frisco Adventure Park is one of the most visited parks in winter with kids and friends for winter activities.
Silver Dollar Lake Trail Elevation​
The Silver Dollar Lake Trail has a starting elevation of 11,199 feet, and the highest point has an elevation of 12,208 feet, which is massive for visitors to enjoy.
Silver Dollar Lake Trail Map
Silver Dollar Lake Snowshoeing
The Silver Dollar Lake is a popular destination for snowshoeing, particularly when Guanella Pass is closed for the winter. It is moderately challenging for the visitors, especially with snow. The trail is well-marked and maintained. In short, it is a great activity to perform with kids and friends.
Silver Dollar Lake Trail Camping​
Camping is not allowed directly around the lake, but there are campgrounds available that are located in the Arapaho National Forest. Mission Peak is another destination that should be visited by hikers in summer.
Silver Dollar Lake Trail Photos
Silver Dollar Lake Trail Reviews
The trail has great reviews from the visitors; some stated the issue regarding the parking elsewhere, all of the visitors were amazed by the beauty and the well-maintained condition of the trail throughout the year. The snowshoe activity is well praised by the hikers and visitors. The great and aesthetic views during the hike are well appreciated by the visitors of the trail.
Silver Dollar Lake Trail Hotels
There are some beautiful hotels and resorts to visit during the hike, which are 3 Peaks Lodge, Keystone Lodge and Spa, Clear Creek Inn, Delaware Hotel, The Timberline, Inn the Clouds Hostel & Inn, Historic Windsor Hotel B&B, and Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Georgetown Lake.
Silver Dollar Lake Trail Best Time to Visit
The trail is generally accessible throughout the year, but the months between July and September are the best because it is snow-free and less muddy during this period. The melting snow can be an issue during other periods of the year.
Silver Dollar Lake Trail Pet Friendly
The trail is pet-friendly, and the dogs are welcome, but on leash.
Conclusion
Silver Dollar Lake Trail offers a rewarding hiking experience with its scenic and peaceful views of flowing rivers. The trail has a high elevation, which gets more beautiful when it is covered with snow. The trail is well known for wildflowers and wildlife. On weekends trail can get crowded and has limited spots for parking, which should be kept in mind before the visit. Snowshoeing is the top activity to perform during the winter season.
