The Tuhare Lakes Endeavour
A 12 mile hike, with 3 alpine lakes, a significant climb and views worthwhile
This article was originally published on The Outbound in July of 2017. We hiked the trail in June of 2017.
Getting There:
The hike is accessed from the Half Moon parking lot - from the Fall Creek trailhead. The parking lot and trailhead are accessed at the end of Tigiwon Rd. which is just south of Minturn, CO on HWY 24. Initially the road starts as Notch Mountain Road and then turns into Tigiwon Road. You’ll want to take it slow coming up Tigiwon road if you don’t have a high clearance vehical.
Stats:
10.3 Miles / Out and Back
(our track said 12, so ya know, give or take)
2,4396 Elevation Gain
Description / Field Notes:
The hike starts off at the Fall Creek trailhead. The first two miles of the hike lead you through the high alpine, occasionally popping out on a cliff side to take in the views. At the two-mile mark, you'll see a a split in the trail. Straight on will take you toward Tuhare Lakes and Lake Constantine. The trail to your right will take you up Notch Mountain. This is a good break spot.
You’ll continue on forward toward Lake Constantine. For the next two miles you descend and stay level on the trail, eventually reaching a gentle incline that brings you to Lake Constantine, around the four-mile mark.
Now begins the climb, you’ll just bypass the lake to your left and follow a canyon over to the river - cross the river, and head uphill. As you begin to climb, to your right you’ll notice a massive waterfall and view of the backside of Notch mountain. The snow will be around even into the month of August, so be prepared to cross a couple patches of winter white.
Be sure to take in all the small flowing treams, tarns (small alpine lakes) and copious varieties of wildflowers that cover the mountain side! The majority of the climb comes between the river crossing and the first meadow. After climbing the face leaving Lake Constantine, you will cross two meadows - high above tree-line. These meadows can get marshy - your goal is to cross the fields and head over the ridge if you lose your trail. Once you reach the ridge - you’ll drop down into Tuhare Lakes.
The lakes sit just south of the Holy Cross Halo Ridge. Stay alert for the marmot swarms, they want your electrolytes!
But here you’ve made it, you’ll find yourself in the beauty, nestled high in the mountain tops above the trees with almost nobody to be seen. And yes - bring your fishing pole!
Plan Your Hike
🚗 Need a rental car? Compare car rental options here 🔗.
🥾 Want a guided hiking experience in Colorado? Explore local tours and excursions. 🔗.
📷 Bring your camera (and your pup!)—this is a trek you won’t want to forget. Or, for a unique adventure, hike with a professional adventure photographer 🔗!
Interested in helping protect places like this, you can donate to Outdoor Alliance here.
