Glaciers shaped the region a mere 15,000 years ago and owing to a shorter ice age, many of peaks are left in a state of mid-transformation. One of the nearby campgrounds is Seedhouse. I am proud to say that I hiked to the summit of Mt. From gradient pool drop stretches to meandering open stream with cut banks, the upper Elk provides terrific dry fly fishing to smaller rainbow trout. Trekking and fishing the Zirkels is a true wilderness experience, with exceptionally beautiful trout to catch while picturesque views are reflected back to you in the looking glass of the high alpine lake water. About 1.5 miles from Mica Lake, the trail enters an open valley, and you can catch outstanding views of Big and Little Agnes peaks towering above. Zirkel Wilderness hikes are detailed in the book "Hiking The Boat II" which can be obtained on the web, or better yet, at the charming, local Off The Beaten Path bookstore in downtown … Mt. Classic high country dry fly fishing. Fishing within the Mount Zirkel Wilderness requires a state fishing license. Zirkel Wilderness Area is one of the most beautiful places to hike imaginable, with trails of all lengths and levels of difficulty. Just about any type of dry fly or small streamer will work. When you want to enjoy the relaxed pace of sportfishing, we’ll show you the best fishing spots throughout the Mount Zirkel Wilderness area. A relatively short but challenging trail, big meadows full of blooming wildflowers, high craggy peaks, and a beautiful alpine lake with the opportunity to catch wild fish in a stunning setting. The wilderness area is located among Park Range, split by the Continental Divide, characterized by fast flowing mountain streams and dotted with glacial lakes. We have access to thousands of acres in the Mount Zirkel area, which is located in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. The closest city is Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The expected frequency of stocking is about every other year. ; Summit County – Hunt the largest elk heard in the world and trophy mule deer in the White River National Forest and the majestic Eagles Nest Wilderness. The wilderness is named after Mount Zirkel, the highest peak in the range at 12,182 feet (3,713 m), which itself is named after German geologist Ferdinand Zirkel. The highest peak is the namesake of the wilderness, Mount Zirkel, which stands at 12,180 feet. All of the Mt. This Rocky Mountain land ranges from 7000 to 12,000 feet elevation and its high-point is the wilderness namesake, Mount Zirkel. Activities in Mount Zirkel Wilderness. CPO offers a drop camp and a full-service camp for hunting and fishing tours in the Colorado Wilderness. Trekking and fishing the Zirkels is a true wilderness experience, with exceptionally beautiful trout to catch while picturesque views are reflected back to you in the looking glass of the high alpine lake water. © 2020 Steamboat Springs Chamber, Inc. All rights reserved. Our dayhikes were nice and relaxing, being above the timberline and mosquito line. Mountain climbers can choose from the fifteen peaks to climb within the wilderness. And the fishing in Mica Lake is about as simple as it gets. A good example of this is the semi-polished summit of Mount Zirkel (12,180 ft.), the highest point in the wilderness. Zirkel, Big Horn Lake. Ted in mosquito gear (tj) Brian moving down Bear Creek trail (tj) Boulder Valley ICO led a 4-day backpacking trip in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness in July, 2009. Receive not-to-be-missed events, special vacation offers and the scoop on all the activities and happenings. Located 45 minutes north of Steamboat is the Zirkel Wilderness area. Cookies are used for measurement, ads and optimization. So make sure you have cash or checks. Click here for fishing information from the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Fishing within the Mount Zirkel Wilderness requires a state fishing license. Of course, the hiking from these campgrounds is excellent and the fishing isn't bad either. Grayling, Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Tiger Muskie, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout and Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout (some rainbows historically). Government information and links are at the bottom of this page. Click here to access the Colorado fishing or hunting regulations brochures online. After about 1.5 miles, you’ll reach an intersection where the Mica Lake trail takes a sharp turn to the north and begins switch-backing up the steep slopes of Mica Creek. All of this wilderness is located in northwestern Colorado and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Bud Light Rocks the Boat Free Concert Series, Locals' Favorite Hikes in Steamboat Springs, Locals' Favorite Bike Trails in Steamboat Springs, Locals' Favorite Happy Hour Spots in Steamboat Springs, Locals' Favorite Products from Steamboat Springs, Locals' Favorite Places to Watch the Sunset, Locals' Favorite Drinks in Steamboat Springs. The Mount Zirkel WA north of Steamboat Springs is loaded with lakes along the Divide. This Wilderness area is home to the headwaters of the Elk, Encampment and North Platte Rivers, as well as some 70 lakes, high mountain peaks (including the 12,180 foot-tall Mount Zirkel for which it is named) and a portion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. The place gets a bit overlooked since the mountains here are lower than the rest of Colorado (there are no 14ers) but that means fewer people and a better shot at the cutthroats here. Typically the fish, especially the brookies, don't get real large but they … Due to last minute changes, my normal hunting partner, Rita, was unable to go. First 2.5 miles of the hike are dead trees and gorgeous wildflowers. Mt. Home; Destinations. In the evenings you’ll see fish rising all over the surface of the lake and the occasional “hog” prowling the shallows. This area features ten pristine mountain lakes and crystal clear streams. Steamboat Lake – Hunting, fishing, horseback riding, pack trips, and more in the Routt National Forest and stunning Mount Zirkel Wilderness. The Area was one of the five original wilderness areas that were designated by the 1964 Wilderness Act. A giant secluded rock slide waterfall and magnificent views of Mount Ethel against a spectacular alpine lake with great fishing. May 1, 2014 If it's windy, you might get lucky and hear the trees wistle. The Mica Lake Basin has a little bit of all the things that make the Zirkel Wilderness such a special place. * The stocking database goes back to 1973, these lakes could have been stocked prior to that time, but there are no records. Stops included: Bear Lake, Summit of Mt. Hikers can rejoice as there are over 150 miles of trails winding into the wilderness, all of which afford lovely scenic views and vistas. However, she recruited her fellow Minneapolis firefighter, Ben Pena, to join me. The Mad Creek and Elk River drainages have enough lakes to keep the backpacking angler busy all summer. In the evenings you’ll see fish rising all over the surface of the lake and the occasional “hog” prowling the shallows. I like a simple parachute adams or small black wooly bugger. While the big lakes have their merits, I prefer a more primitive experience, and that means seeking out the blue blobs on the maps that aren’t accessible by road. This Wilderness area is home to the headwaters of the Elk, Encampment and North Platte Rivers, as well as some 70 lakes, high mountain peaks (including the 12,180 foot-tall Mount Zirkel for which it is named) and a portion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. There are literally hundreds of lakes to choose from in and adjacent to these large wilderness areas, ranging from massive man-made reservoirs like Steamboat Lake and Yamcolo Reservoir, to small and secluded pocket lakes hidden deep in the backcountry and only accessible by foot or horseback. All of this wilderness is located in northwestern Colorado and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Brian tried fishing again, once again no monkeys were seen. In and out of the Lake Katherine Trailhead on the East side of the Wilderness Area. If you want to get out of the Front Range head to the Mount Zirkel Wilderness north of Steamboat Springs. 4 am start at Slavonia trail head and reached the summit at 10:30 am. These tables will be updated as new information becomes available. Zirkel Wilderness Area. It … The trail to Mica Lake is just short of four miles in length, making the trip attainable as a long day hike, or better yet, as an easy overnight destination. The Slavonia Trailhead just outside of Clark is the launching pad for both short day trips to nearby lakes and streams to long multi-day excursions into the furthest reaches of the Zirkel Wilderness. A major feature of … With the steeper angle and southern facing slopes, this part of the trail can be sunny and warm, so be sure to take your time here. With three forks of the upper Elk River, the area offers a wide array of angling opportunities. Located near Steamboat Springs in north central Colorado, the Mount Zirkel Wilderness area is managed by the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. For more information contact the United States Forest Service’s Hahn’s Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District in Steamboat Springs. Menu. This is an area of high valleys ending at the bases of precipitous glacial cirques. Menu. Mount Zirkel Wilderness. Find trail guides, walking tours, seasonal calendar of events, and more insight on visiting Steamboat Springs. Click here for fishing information from the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Zirkel, alpine style, in a single day. Home; Destinations. Zirkel Wilderness Adventures With Bear by WatchinTheWater » Wed Aug 12, 2015 9:34 pm When I began fly fishing I promised myself I would never be one of those people that owned a bunch of gear and didn't use it. By continuing to use our site you agree to our privacy policy. There are more than 70 lakes scattered around the wilderness area and most offer good trout fishing. Geologically speaking, the Zirkel Wilderness is relatively new. We spend four days in Zirkel on a backpacking loop. Mt. One of the five original Colorado wilderness areas designated by the 1964 Wilderness Act, Mount Zirkel was greatly enhanced by additions in 1980 and 1993. With water cascading into the lake from the surrounding hills, wildflowers decorating the base of large granite boulders, and idyllic campsites hidden in the pine trees above the lake basin itself, the Mica Lake basin is a stunningly beautiful, take-your-breath-away kind of place. Steamboat Springs. ; Summit County – Hunt the largest elk heard in the world and trophy mule deer in the White River National Forest and the majestic Eagles Nest Wilderness. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/colorado/mount-zirkel-wilderness/lake by Soren Jespersen. While most folks are familiar with the world-class fly fishing found in the Yampa River flowing through Steamboat Springs, this area is also blessed with outstanding lake fishing, primarily in the high alpine country of the nearby Zirkel and Flat Tops Wilderness areas. The Mad Creek trailhead is only 6 miles from town and a pleasant and scenic hike will take you to a restored, historic barn and some great creek wading before reaching the Wilderness Boundary at mile 4. For those looking for fishing, the Mount Zirkel Wilderness … rainbow lake hiking trail guide, Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area guidebook Colorado information, hiking, backpacking, fishing, hunting, horse packing, horseback riding,and camping information for Mount Zirkel Wilderness, Routt National Forest, Steamboat Springs and Walden Colorado, hiking, backpacking, camping, horse packing, horseback riding trail maps and pictures in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Start at the Rainbow Lake Trailhead 1126 in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness which is 19 miles south west of Walden, Colorado off Country Road 22A. Mount Zirkel was named in 1874 in honor of Ferdinand Zirkel, a major contributor to the science of geology. We’re locals, and we always know when and where the fish are biting, and we’re happy to share those details with you. Mount zirkel wilderness - 7 lakes trailhead The hike starts at a trailhead at a camping place and there is a 5 dollar fee per night. Then, there are the campgrounds near or adjacent to Mount Zirkel Wilderness that have a wilderness feel to them without the need for the camper to backpack in. The Mount Zirkel Wilderness is a U.S. Wilderness Area located in Routt National Forest in northwest Colorado. There are a couple of hidden swimming holes in Mica Creek that you can spot from the switchbacks if you’re game for a cool, refreshing dip. Not many people. Click here to access the Colorado fishing or hunting regulations brochures online. The trail is well-marked and begins by traveling up the dense aspen and pine forests surrounding Gilpin Creek. We have hiked twice in the Mt Zirkel Wilderness, this trip, and in 1995, Here is a low resolution map showing both routes. And while there are several trails and destinations to choose from out of the Slavonia Trailhead, one of my favorites is the Mica Lake Basin below Little Agnes Peak. By Erik Jensen, IBT Local 320 Recently, I returned from my first elk hunt, which was in Colorado’s Mount Zirkel Wilderness area. One more relatively steep section and you’ll see it—Mica Lake. Very high elevation -- most of the trip between 9,000 - 12,000 feet along the continental divide. Located in Routt National Forest. Steamboat Lake – Hunting, fishing, horseback riding, pack trips, and more in the Routt National Forest and stunning Mount Zirkel Wilderness. Well, summer is here [just around the corner], and that means the high country snows are melting out, allowing anglers to access the numerous alpine lakes of the Zirkel Wilderness just northeast of Steamboat Springs. Click here for fishing information from the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Neighboring towns: Steamboat Springs, Walden, Hahns Peak. 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