Round trip dist =5.4 mi
Total elevation gain = 1,642'
Hiking time = 4.5 hours
Trail type = Singletrack
Difficulty = moderate
Start Coordinates: 40°34'59.85"N, 105°57'49.70"W
Directions
Take CO14 west from Fort Collins, CO about 75 miles just past the town of Gould. Turn right on to county road 41, pick up a map and pay the park entrance fee. Continue on county road 41 until you reach an improved 4 wheel drive road that heads to Ruby Jewell Yurt. We parked at the yurt as most cars can make it here, but 4 wheel drive vehicles can continue on 1.4 mi to the trailhead.
Walkthrough
Start out hiking up the 4 wheel drive trail from the yurt to the trailhead. This isn't the most exciting part of the hike but is necessary if your car dosen't have as much clearance as a Jeep. Once you reach the trailhead it is a singletrack with some rocky parts and a stream crossing, but no problem for our westie.
Our westie (Gromit) on the trail
After you pass the fork in the trail that heads to Kelly Lake you'll pass through a skree field with a few marmot residents.
The trail cuts through a skree field as you get close to timberline
Just as you reach timberline you'll reach a spot with a nice view of the park and the 12,951 ft Clark Peak.
Nice view 1/4 mile from the lake
We decided to turn back at 40°35'51.66"N, 105°56'20.58"W because of an approaching thunderstorm, reminding us of the unpredictability of alpine weather.
