The South Colony basin hovers at about 12,000 feet and is surrounded by lofty peaks with sheer cliffs that dump a ton of snow into the basin over the winter. As the snow thaws and recedes the Lower and Upper lakes remain like giant puddles. Although this basin lies farther south near Westcliffe, with the excessive amount of snow that piles up, these alpine lakes are typically not accessible to hikers until May or even June.

Begin the Colony expedition from Main Street in Westcliffe and drive southeast on Highway 69 for about 4.5 miles and turn right on County Road 119 aka Colfax Lane. Continue south on Colfax for about 5.5 miles and turn right on County Road 120 aka South Colony Road. Drive west for about 1.5 miles to the large parking lot on the right for the lower 2WD trailhead. High clearance vehicles can continue on the dirt road for about another 2.75 miles to the upper 4WD trailhead and parking area.

From the lower trailhead, begin hiking west along South Colony Road through the extensive grassland of the Westcliffe Valley. After about .75 miles the route swings to the southwest, climbing into the forest and after about another 1.5 miles intersecting the Rainbow Trail. After about another half mile reach the upper 4WD trailhead and parking area where the road is gated. Continue hiking along the old road that follows South Colony Creek and after about another 2.5 miles reach an intersection and bear right to break away from the old road that heads southwest.

Hike on the trail westward where fine views emerge ahead of the 13er Broken Hand Peak. Look for the “broken hand” rock formation on the right side of the peak. After about another mile rise above treeline and reach Lower South Colony Lake, with a backdrop of Broken Hand Peak on the left and the 14er Crestone Needle on the right. North of the trail a massive slope rises up to the 14er Humboldt Peak.

March onward towards Upper South Colony Lake, reaching the upper lake after about another half mile. Find a great place to relax and enjoy lunch amid the alpine, with a classic picturesque view of the vertical slopes of Crestone Needle rising from the lake. Many other animals besides humans venture into the tundra during summer, seeking to benefit from the explosion of life during the short growing season. From the upper lake I observed a Cooper’s Hawk that ventured upward from the forest looking for an alpine meal. The hawk was mobbed by a flock of about 30 American Pipits that were quite upset about a winged predator roaming around their summer breeding grounds.

Joe LaFleur is a hiking enthusiast that hits the trails weekly. He has successfully summited over 150 unique 13ers and 14ers in Colorado. Contact Joe with questions or feedback at joe@betterbirdwatching.com. Hiking is great exercise but can be hazardous. Always be sure to plan well, check the weather, bring a printed map, tell someone where and when you are going and contact them when you return safely.