Route Editor
Route Scout
 Overview This short but moderately strenuous out and back is the perfect day hike. I believe its one of the less traveled hikes in the grand lake area because of the elevation gain. The day we hiked we passed just a handful of hikers and when we summited we were the only hikers at the fire tower. Access The trailhead is easy to find, it begins at the Shadow Mountain Dam staging area and is also a small section of the CDT. Parking is ample at the trailhead. Hike The well marked & well traveled trail skirts Shadow Mountain lake for the first mile or so. After reaching a well marked trail junction the trail to summit Shadow Mountain is clearly marked. The uphill climb begins. This uphill climb is very distinctive. The trail to the summit travels entirely uphill at a good slope. You definitely know your traveling uphill but it doesn't feel like it. One knows in the annals of their hiking mind that your gaining elevation but the body doesn't feel the gain. Weird. Once you start gaining some good elevation you'll hike along a ridge with beautiful views of the Grand Lake area. Soon after leaving the face of Shadow Mountain the trail heads through a huge blow down area. The wind was whipping at a good pace the day we hiked and you can hear the trees snapping. It is quite surreal. The trail starts to switchback about 0.25 miles from the summit. The last push seemed the hardest. At the top you'll be faced with stunning views of the Grand Lake area and the Rocky Mountains. There is an old fire tower that was unacceptable due to construction. There were 2 small water sources along the trail. If your carrying a full reservoir of water one shouldn't need to filter and refill. After spending some time at the summit the weather started rolling in and we began the downhill trek. On our return hike we encountered some areas of fresh blow down we had to move or maneuver around. Synopsis This hike offers a bit of everything and some moose as well. There is an ample amount of wildlife in the area. The trail is well maintained but beware of blow down. Check out the Official Route and Triplog. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent Triplog Review
Shadow Mountain
Great Hike! We originally planned for this to be a full moon hike but the weather Gods had a different plan. After some section hiking the CDT from Steamboat springs we decided to head into Grand Lake and check it out. We were pleasantly surprised. We camped at the Green Ridge Campground which is right on Shadow Mountain lake. Nothing great just a typical FS campground. The full moon was looming so we decided we would summit Shadow Mountain and catch the rise. Unfortunately that didn't happen but the hike was stunningly beautiful. The first mile or so is a section of the CDT heading into Grand Lake. This section skirts the lake for about a mile. At the trail junction the trail heads up, up, up. its a steady climb with the only switchbacks at the top. The hike takes you on the face of the mountain then skirts below the ridge through some wicked blow down areas. The Views at the top are pretty and worth the strenuous elevation gain. The fire tower is under construction so it was off limits. The warning tape wrapped the tower tightly. After enjoying the scenery and a snack the weather started to roll in and thunder cracked in the distance. We hiked down enjoying the wildlife on the way. Moose a plenty! Great day hiking. We passed only a handful of hikers and no one at the summit when we were atop! We hiked mid day and the weather was beautiful in the low 80's. Solomon my Doberman enjoyed the hike as well.
There were two small water sources after leaving the lake area.
Wildflowers
There were some wild flowers by the lake .
There were two small water sources after leaving the lake area.
Wildflowers
There were some wild flowers by the lake .
2018-07-27 maryl
