Jul 11
16
Handies Peak Hike
Distance: 5.6-9.3 miles RT (depending on trailhead)
Elevation Gain: 2750′-4450′
Starting Elevation: 11,600′
Rating: Difficult
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View Along Handies Peak Trail
Another notorious Colorado 14er. Handies is not too difficult and can be reached from Lake City via the Alpine Loop to American Basin where the trailhead is. There are a few options for hiking Handies so I would recommend Gerry Roachs’ book Colorado’s Fourteeners to help you decide the best approach.
If you don’t have a 4 wheel drive vehicle there is a way to reach the trailhead from the town of Lake City. If you’re coming from the south you can take Hwy 160 to South Fork and go north on the Silver Thread (hwy 149) to Creede and then hop over to Lake City.
The American Basin area explodes with violet, orchid, crimson, canary yellow and fuchsia colored wildflowers during peak summer months and shouldn’t be missed. Views along and at the top of Handies stretch for miles if you’re lucky to be hiking on a clear day.
Otherwise, appreciate the interesting way the clouds hang below and along some dramatic vistas. If you plan to hike this peak, read up on it in Colorado’s Fourteeners From Hikes to Climbs by Gerry Roach and consider hiking some of Handies neighboring peaks like Redcloud and Sunshine or Uncompahgre peaks.
After your hike, head into Lake City where you’ll find several fun places to hang out like the Packer Saloon and Cannibal Grill where you can grab a cold one and enjoy the pleasant patio area.
Gear Recommendations (besides the 10 essentials):
Heavy Duty Boots for good ankle support
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
Extra food
National Geographic Map #141 for Telluride, Lake City, Ouray and Silverton
Gerry Roach’s book Colorado’s Fourteeners
