Jul 10
20
Quartz Lake Hike
Distance: 9 miles
Elevation Gain: 1560′
Starting Elevation: 10,040′
Rating: Moderate
Quartz Lake is reached via the Little Blanco Trailhead which is reached by traveling on a gravel road approximately 13
View from Quartz Ridge
miles east of Pagosa Springs. The road is nice and easy for 2 wheel drive and gets you into the wilderness without much effort.
This hike is deceptively more difficult than it’s mileage and elevation numbers would indicate. However, I still feel like this hike leans towards the moderate side. It’s true that it gains most of it’s elevation in the first 2 miles which could account for my perception. There are some nice switchbacks to get you up the steep part. Outside of the gorgeous views along the trails when you reach the ridge-line, the wildflowers were a pleasant surprise. Fields of purple Pentstemon, Colorado Columbines, Scarlet Indian Paintbrush and more graced the slopes along the trail. The views just like many in the San Juans are breathtaking and stretch in every direction.
I did have a difficult time finding the trail again after reaching the “notch” section when the trail drops down into a area of large boulders and a smaller pond that I mistakenly thought may be Quartz Lake. There are some rock cairns placed to help guide you in the right direction. I strongly advise bringing a map and a compass just to make sure you are on the right path.
A story about a grizzly bear spotting in this area back in 1979 intrigued me to check out this trail. At the time it was believed that these bears were extinct for many years and it led wildlife managers to have some hope that maybe there was a chance that more grizzlies could still be living in the state. No such evidence has been found since then.
This is a great hike and well worth the effort, (about an hour from Pagosa Springs). Bring your camera and plan a lunch at Quartz Lake.
