Backpacking to Kroenke Lake

Buena Vista, Colorado

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Details

Distance

9 miles

Elevation Gain

2750 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Chelsea Gribbin

Kroenke Lake is a relatively easy hike with a beautiful lake surrounded by 14,000 foot peaks in the Sawatch Range outside of Buena Vista, Colorado.

Starting at the North Cottonwood trailhead just outside of Buena Vista, Colorado. This hike will take you 4.5 miles to the lake with about 2750 feet of elevation gain. The hike is mostly mellow and you'll likely see hikers heading up to Horn Fork basin to hike Mt. Harvard and Columbia.

Campsites at the lake are easy to come by with many flat areas to pitch a tent. Once you're set up, finding a great place to fish or tie up a hammock is also easy.

This hike is perfect for families, there is a lot of great hiking around the lake. Head up to Brown's Pass and over to Mt. Yale or back down to Horn Fork basin to Harvard and Columbia. If you like bushwacking and ridge walking then Birthday Peak is a fun hike from the lake too!

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Features

Chillin

Camping

Fishing

Backpacking

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Forest

Lake

Scenic

Wildflowers

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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