Squaw Lake as seen from above on the Continental Divide Trail. Squaw
Lake Trail begins at the Squaw Creek Trail about 6 miles from the Thirty
Mile Campground trailhead. A bridge has been constructed to cross Squaw
Creek. The trail has been reconstructed in a series of seemingly endless
switchbacks which continue for 2 miles where it levels and in another half
mile reaches Squaw Lake. Campsites are abundant within the trees in the
center of the photo. The water is fairly clear and fish can be seen in
the lake. A warning: Since the lake is only about 8 miles from the trailhead,
horse parties use the lake for both day trips and overnight stops.
This is the section of trail which takes you up to the CDT from Squaw
Lake. The first 1/4 mile is extremely steep and consists in many places
of very loose gravel and stones. After that, it climbs less steeply, but
bushes with thick branches infringe on the narrow trail and, if you are
wearing shorts as we were, may scrape and cut your legs.
The trail continues another 1.25 miles to reach the Continental Divide
Trail. This photo is taken
from that section of trail. Squaw Lake is a man-raised lake, built in 1938
by creating a dam along half its length. Some of the equipment used in
the earthmoving is still in the area. The climb up to the CDT (12,000+
feet elevation) is well worth the effort, for the views are exceptional
(see photos on CDT page.)