San Isabel National Forest
Lakes of the Clouds Trail #1351, #1349

This 4.2 mile, moderately rated trail heads into the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness between Spread Eagle Peak and Mt. Marcy.

Elevations:

• Trail beginning: 9,200'
• High Point: 11,500'
• Trail ending: 11,500'

Access: Go north out of Westcliffe on State Highway 69 to County Road 170 (maybe half a mile from the north end of town) and go west on 170 for about 5 miles. Then turn left at the Forest Service sign for Gibson Creek. Take a right at the next sign (onto County Road 172) and go 3 miles to the end of the road at the Gibson Creek parking area. At the north end of the parking area is an access road leading west about 200 yards to intersect with the Rainbow Trail. Go north about 1 mile on the Rainbow Trail to the junction with Lakes of the Clouds Trail (#1351). Another mile further north is the junction with Trail #1349, which leads to the west and eventually joins with the Lakes of the Clouds Trail.

Notes: #1351 parallels Swift Creek to the lowest of the 3 Lakes of the Clouds. This is a steep and rocky trail in spots. #1349 is a bit longer but more a more gentle climb with much less rock. Of the 3 lakes, two are below timberline, the third is just above. This area sees heavy traffic in the summer, especially on weekends and holidays.

USGS Maps: Electric Peak, Beckwith Mtn.