Pawnee Pass Trail
Description:
The
Pawnee Pass Trail connects the east side of the Indian Peaks Wilderness with
trails in the western portion via Pawnee Pass. It is 7.7 miles in length and
gains and loses a total of 4,542 feet in elevation. Overall, the trail is
of moderate difficulty with some easy sections and one particularly difficult
stretch. Use is very high on the eastern portion of the trail, partcularly
that below Lake Isabelle. As with most trails in this wilderness, the surface
can be quite rocky, especially on the west side of the pass. There is ample
water along most sections of the trail. As always, all water must be treated
before drinking. The scenery along this trail is some of the most spectacular
in the wilderness. From the majestic towers of Arikaree (13,150), Navaho
(13,409), Apache (13,441), Shoshoni (12,967), and Pawnee Peaks (12,943)
and the deep blue waters of Long, Isabelle, and Pawnee Lakes to the awe inspiring
views from Pawnee Pass, a trip over this trail is a scenic feast for your
eyes. Because of the heavy use of this trail on the east side deer and elk
are not often seen. However, yellow bellied marmots and pikas are often heard
and seen among the rocky slopes higher on the trail. Ptarmigan can be seen
scurrying amongst the rocks and grass in the pass.
The
Pawnee Pass Trail begins at the Long Lake Trailhead at an elevation of 10,500
feet. The trail is fairly level for the first two miles as it travels along
the north side of Long Lake toward the east end of Lake Isabelle. It gets
steeper as it climbs the north ridge of the valley just below the lake. From
here it begins a moderately steep 2.5 mile climb to the pass situated at an
elevation of 12,541 feet. It makes numerous switchbacks from one side of the
ridge to the other as it climbs above Lake Isabelle. You get tremendous views
of the lake along this section of the trail. From the right side of the ridge
you see the spectacular rock formations of the drainage leading to Pawnee
Peak. The trail levels off some in a saddle between Pawnee Peak and Shoshoni
Peak before making the final ascent to the pass, offering a brief respite
from the steady climb. The final ascent is made up the ridge to the north
via several long switchbacks. The terrain on top of the pass is level for
a tenth of a mile or so and offers no protection from the often strong, cold
winds. It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to hike to this point.
Dont
go back to Long Lake with out taking a peek over the western edge of Pawnee
Pass. It literally will take your breath away. The trail descends steeply
down the rock face using 23 switchbacks along the way. This rocky path leads
down into a deep valley containing Pawnee Lake. Pawnee Lake is surrounded
by rock walls on the west and south and a large meadow to the east. Tall spruce
trees shelter the east and north shores. There are several good campsites
in this area. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Pawnee Lake from Pawnee
Pass. This is the most difficult section of the trail.
Beyond
Pawnee Lake, the trail follows a creek drainage in a sweeping arc to its intersection
with the Crater Lake and Cascade Creek trails. As it approaches the Cascade
Creek drainage, the trail gets a little steeper and the valley becomes wider.
A stream crossing with several large trees that have fallen across the trail
will be encountered just before the intersection. From this junction with
the Crater Lake and Cascade Creek trails you can hike to Crater Lake (1.2
miles) or continue down the Cascade Creek Trail for 6.3 miles to the Monarch
Lake Trailhead.
This
trail passes through the Four Lakes, Peak, and Cascade Creek travel zones.
No camping is allowed in the Four Lakes Travel Zone and livestock are not
permitted on any part of the Pawnee Pass Trail. Camping is permitted in the
other travel zones but no campfires are allowed.
Features:
| Length: |
7.7 miles (12.4 kilometers) |
| Elevation Range: |
10,040' - 12,541' |
| Elevation change: |
4,542 feet |
| Season: |
July 1 - Sept 15 |
| Difficulty: |
Moderate - Difficult |
| Use: |
Very high |
| USGS maps: |
Ward, Monarch Lake |
| Trailheads: |
Long Lake, Monarch Lake |
| Restrictions: |
Pets must be on a leash, no camping
orcampfires in Four Lakes Travel Zone, no packstock |
| Suitable for mountain bikes: |
No (no bicycles in wilderness) |
| Suitable for horses: |
No (not permitted) |
Vicinity Map
Altitude Profile
Other Nearby Resources:
Directions:
Take
Highway 72 north from Nederland approximately eight miles to Ward. Turn west
on Forest Road 112 and travel about 3 miles to the entrance to the Brainard
Lake Recreation Area (there is a fee). It is another two miles to
Brainard Lake. Follow the road around the north side of the lake to the turnoff
to the Long Lake parking area. Turn right to the parking area. The Long Lake
Trailhead is located at the south end of the parking area.
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