A hidden gem in Crested Butte
A fabulous dog and kid-friendly hike where you can even bring your paddleboard
As many times as I’ve been to Crested Butte, there’s always something new to discover. This past visit we made the trek up to Long Lake aka Meridian Lake. This hike is dog and kid-friendly and there’s two trailheads. Because the water was so high to cross the creek and we had kids, we opted for the trail across the bridge that crosses in front of Private Property so if you take this route, be respectful!
Hiking to Meridian Lake in Crested Butte is a beautiful experience that presents hikers with stunning views of the surrounding valley, peaceful alpine lakes, and rugged mountain ridges. Located on the eastern side of Mount Crested Butte, hiking to Meridian Lake offers an excellent opportunity for an enjoyable day trip and an excellent starting point for further exploration of the local landscape.
From the town of Crested Butte take Gothic Road (Route 135) north 1.75 miles. Turn left onto Washington Gulch Road and drive 1.5 miles. Easy Route: Park in front of the tennis courts on the right side for the easy route. Strenuous Route: Drive another .90 miles farther to signed TH and the dirt parking lot on the left.
From the trailhead, hikers begin on a gradual ascent through scenic meadows, aspen groves, and forests of wildflowers. The forest thins out as the difficult part of the trail begins, where hikers have to navigate steep switchbacks, rock formations, and roots. If you take the easier route it’s an old Jeep road that you navigate.
The trail eventually levels off at the first Meridian Lake, providing hikers with picturesque views of the surrounding mountain peaks. The alpine lake is pristine and warms in the summer months, making it a perfect spot to relax, have some lunch and take in the beauty of the environment.
Hiking to Meridian Lake in Crested Butte is an enjoyable and challenging experience that will reward hikers with mesmerizing views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is well-maintained, marked, and at about 2.5 miles RT (.5 on the strenuous route) it is great for kids, dogs and paddleboarding. Meridian Lake is a tranquil and serene spot to enjoy and makes the hike well worth the effort.
We decided to take a cold plunge in the lake and managed to stay in about 2 minutes! The water is high right now so there isn’t much of a beach area to hang out, but this is a fabulous destination you’re sure to enjoy!
If you choose to hike here make sure and acknowledge the private property signs and to pick up all dog waste and fishing line, hooks, because we found a bunch by the shore and those are no fun to step on!
Have a great summer and look for more adventures to come! If you liked this Crested Butte recommendation be sure to check out my other recommendations in the archives.
Thank you for reading!