Backpacking the Continental Divide-Colorado Trail-from-Winfield To Monarch-pass
I had driven the scenic drives through Clear Creek Canyon to Winfield, Colorado, many times. These trips were for backpacking, camping, day hiking, or fly fishing near the clear creek. I even explored there like a kid with a treasure (Topo) map. It is one of those places that always offers something new. This particular trip was special, focusing on Backpacking the Continental Divide-Colorado Trail From Clear Creek Canyon to Monarch Pass. We planned a backpacking adventure along a beautiful section of the Continental Divide Trail, which overlaps with the Colorado Trail here. Our route included picturesque fly fishing stops at Lake Ann, Texas Lakes, and Tunnel Lake, as well as Chalk Lakes and Boss Lake.
The journey concluded at Monarch Pass, a well-known high point, where our ride awaited. It was stunning, exhausting, and humorous. This experience backpacking the Continental Divide-Colorado Trail From Winfield to Monarch Pass was truly memorable. So, let’s get into this epic trek along the divide trail.
Table of Contents
Day 1: Winfield -Huron Peak-Lake Ann Trailhead– Starting the Adventure
Driving to up Clear Creek Canyon is an experience. A very rough road winds through the Rocky Mountains. Missing the views is easy if you’re focused on the curves of the dirt road leading to the ghost town of Winfield. Winfield is a captivating ghost town from the mining era, nestled near the Collegiate Peaks. You will find crumbling cabins and rusted relics, hinting at its past. It is a good place to rest and reflect on its palpable history before continuing on the creek trail. Great camping, or go left on another very rough road and I recommend high clearance vehicles only.
Once parked at the trailhead, the mountain air is a refreshing reset. Backpacks on, mine felt predictably heavy for the first day. We hit the trail with excitement, leaving the recreation area behind and entering the national forest.
The 4 mile trek to Lake Ann. featuring rolling terrain through the San Isabel National Forest. The path, part of a long trail system, moves through pine forests and aspen forest groves. It crosses gurgling streams, reliable water sources if treated; a good filter is essential. Consulting the local ranger district for water source updates before your trip is always a good idea.
We are on the Colorado Trail to start, about a mile in the Continental Divide Trail joins the fun.
Fly Fishing Teaser and First Camp
For fly fishing enthusiasts, Clear Creek itself is tempting near the start of the Colorado Trail segment. Its cold, clear water holds plenty of trout. I skipped fishing, eager to hike, but an extra hour here could be rewarding. Lots of small trout. I have enjoyed this stream more than once.
As the sun dipped, casting long shadows, we pitched tents near Winfield. This area is part of a larger national forest, offering many such campsites. The air grew cooler, a reminder of the high elevation even on this first day.
Excitement grew for the days ahead: five more major lakes and much trail. We felt prepared for this Continental Divide Trail segment, aware that a bear canister might be recommended or required in some wilderness areas ahead. We looked forward to the challenges and beauty of the continental divide.
Lake Ann is one of the prettiest spots in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, a highlight for many hiking the Collegiate Loop.
I had been anticipating this moment: fly fishing at Lake Ann, a dream for backpackers. I carefully unpacked my rod and confidently tied on a favorite fly. I cast into that glassy water, expected a quick bite, and then… nothing.
No strikes, not even a follow, just no interest. Meanwhile, Billy Knowles further around the lake was a different story. He was reeling in cutthroat trout like he had a secret method.
After an hour of my own unsuccessful attempts, I finally felt a tug. My heart raced as I reeled it in. I was so excited, only to pull up a soggy, heavy tree branch. My buddy laughed so hard he nearly tipped over into the lake. He shouted, “You’re the king of the forest now.”
I tried to play it cool, but inside, I was thinking of a lighthearted revenge against that stick. Lesson learned: sometimes the fish win. And sometimes, nature has a sense of humor with submerged lumber, even at a place as stunning as Lake Ann Pass.
We ate dehydrated meals that night, as no fish graced my pan. We camped by the lake, the sound of lapping water mixed with crickets. The stars were incredible, bright enough to make you forget about your fishing failure, at least for a little while. Tomorrow, we’d tackle Texas Lakes, part of the Collegiate West route for some hikers.
Day 2: Lake Ann to Texas Lakes – Wildlife and a Tentpole Tragedy
The 9-mile hike from Lake Ann to Texas Lakes was stunning. The trail dipped and climbed through vibrant wildflower meadows and serene pine groves within the national forest. All along the way, views made you stop and admire them every five minutes, especially as we gained more elevation. Like the initial three-forth of a mile pretty much straight up with incredible panoramic view of the Apostles, Lake Ann and the rest of the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. I have done this hike with huge cornice of snow just below the pass you had to climb up over.
These are not Texan lakes but a cluster of beautiful alpine beauties with a confusing name, situated deep in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The scenery was fulfilling. This section of the Continental Divide Trail is known for its rugged beauty.
We saw abundant wildlife on this stretch. Deer peeked through the trees. An elk herd grazed in a distant meadow. And a very bold marmot approached our lunch spot, seeming to want a snack from our carefully protected food, for which a bear canister is good practice.
The Texas Lakes themselves were serene. Their still waters mirrored the surrounding peaks. This is a great spot for photos, capturing the essence of the high elevation wilderness areas.
Camping Catastrophe
Setting up camp should have been routine. Wrong. As I unpacked my tent, I realized a mistake: I had forgotten a pole. Yes, the essential pole for was miles back and I was going, other things to do. My buddy smirked as I stood there holding limp nylon. “Rookie move,. We managed to rig up a makeshift Pole-to. It held up—but I spent most of the night imagining every rustle, thinking of wildlife encounters.
Fly fishing here was much better. I managed to catch a couple of small, beautiful brook trout from Texas Creek that feeds the lakes. This somewhat made up for my Lake Ann failure. We cooked them over the small camp stove; they tasted like hard-earned victory.
Day 3: Texas Lakes to Tunnel Lake –
The trek to Tunnel Lake is, about – miles, but interesting. The trail wound through increasingly rocky terrain. The highlight, as you might guess, was the tunnel on this segment of the divide trail.
With a 42-pound backpack 9 (I always take too much gear), I felt like a large turtle in a narrow space. It was challenging, to say the least.
