We set off at 6am, climbing steadily to a series of switchbacks in the peaceful morning light. The trail eventually levels across steep, open slopes with views of Mount Neva (12,814'). Wildflowers are varied and abundant on this stretch.
After a mile, the trail narrows across a steep waterfall to the Diamond Lake split. The Arapaho Pass Trail continues to climb west. The valley below is noteworthy, highlighted by a network of glacier-fed streams and ponds.
After two miles, the trail moderates through a broad krummholz flat (German for 'bent wood' describing the twisted, stunted trees near treeline resulting from continual exposure).
From here, the route continues past the Arapaho Glacier Trail split and the historic Fourth of July Mine into open tundra. The terrain becomes quite rocky--and potentially windy--above treeline.
In three miles, the ramp-like trail curls toward the valley-center and Caribou Pass split on a saddle atop the Continental Divide.
Commanding views over Caribou Lake are enjoyed before turning onto the Caribou Pass Trail.
The trail bends southwest and levels in open tundra, where an intuitively followed path threads to the northeast shore of Lake Dorothy (12,061'). Located in a deep cirque between Mount Neva and Arapaho Pass, Lake Dorothy is the highest named lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness.
From here, the Caribou Pass Trail continues northwest over the Divide. Anna and I agreed that we would like to return soon in order to explore the connecting trails. This time, however, we relaxed at the lake before heading back to the trailhead. As usual, the return journey gradually increased in both temperature and traffic.
We arrived back at the car just after 10:30am--about two hours each way with a half hour at the top. Undoubtedly a shared favorite!
