Hike to Mica Lake, Mount Zirkel Wilderness, Clark, Colorado
Mike and I were headed up to Steamboat Springs for the weekend to stay with some friends. One of the days we wanted to go for a hike in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness so we decided to hike to Mica Lake. We parked at the busy Slavonia trailhead and started up Gilpin trail before taking a left onto Mica Basin trail. The hike was a fairly straightforward out-and-back with the best views in the mile closest to the lake. Almost all of the elevation gain for this hike is in the first half of the hike out to the lake. When we got to the lake, we saw a few people camping and fishing. We considered jumping in to the lake, but ultimately decided against it because it was a little too windy. After a snack break, we headed back to the car the same way we came. We passed quite a few people on the way back, and I would not recommend this hike if you are looking for solitude. There were probably 50 cars at the trailhead when we got back. While busy, I still really enjoyed the hike because of how pretty it was. My favorite parts of the hike were the wildflowers and the lake.
Stats: 8.7 miles, 2000 vert
