Hike Columbine Lake and Peak 13159 San Juan National Forest, CO

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After doing Bridal Peak a few days ago as part of a long route and seeing Columbine Lake for the first time, I vowed to hike to it during this trip, so I planned a cute little route that would hike up to the lake and also bag an unnamed Colorado 13er called Peak 13159. This may be the most gorgeous lake I've ever seen, and it's not nearly as crowded as I thought it would be. The trailhead is a bit confusing, being neither marked nor including a real parking lot of any sort. The trail basically just starts off a dirt road. I recommend parking where I did if you can manage it. Low clearance might have minor difficulty due to a stream crossing a half mile before my parking spot.

Once I located the trail, I headed up the somewhat steep switchbacks through unremarkable forest until I ascended above treeline. The trail continued through pretty tundra nestled between two hilly ridges, and through a low, saddle separating the southeast side of Peak 13159 and some unnamed point. The trail continued west to Columbine Lake, but I left it to ascend a gully to the south. The gully led me to the east ridge of Peak 13159. Some Class 2 required minor route-finding to avoid crevasses formed by big rock blocks to reach the usmmit. I fell in love with these summit views. To the north were the incredible peaks of the route I had done around Bridal Veil Basin, to the south was a grassy drop off, and to the west was Columbine Lake's exquisite blue color. I continued west along Peak 13159, Class 2. I ended up on a social trail than led me down to the lake. I hung out and soaked in the views for a bit (omg I haven't "relaxed" during a hike in probably years – I forgot how nice it could be) before returning to the Columbine Lake Trail and returning the way I came.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Peak 13159

13159 ft

379 rise

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The start of the Columbine Lake Trail, left. I walked down from the top of the road on the right. The trail was unsigned and came out of nowhere.

Along the somewhat steep switchbacks.

Emerging from treeline.

Looking back along the trail.

The trail continues up to the low saddle on the right.

Looking back as I make my way along the trail.

Short section where the trail skirts a small cliff to get to the saddle.

After reaching the low point, continuing west. This is a view that I was happy to see: a traverse I did ending at Bridal Peak (left).

Looking back toward the low saddle before I left the trail to head up to Peak 13159.

Heading to the east ridge of Peak 13159 (Class 2). I went to the saddle visible in the center.

Looking back at a baby tarn and Bridal Peak (left).

Wider shot, looking north toward Bridal Peak (left) and the valley leading to Ouray on the right.

At the saddle, headed west toward Peak 13159.

Columbine Lake poking out in the center, some nice Class 2 coming up.

View south-ish as I ascend the ridge.

Some easy Class 2 route finding to avoid the crevasses created by the blocky ridge.

Summit of Peak 13159, view west toward Columbine Lake. Lookout Peak visible right of center, and an unranked/unnamed peak left of center.

Continuing down the ridge, Class 2.

Looking back toward the west ridge of Peak 13159.

I picked up a social trail leading to Columbine Lake.

Columbine Lake.

Columbine Lake, Lookout Peak top center.

Looking back toward Peak 13159 (left).

Starting along the Columbine Lake Trail. Bridal Peak visible top left.

Peak 13159 on the right. The trail heads through the tundra.

Looking back toward Lookout Peak and Bridal Peak. I followed the trail back from here.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!