A view of Alderson Lake from Mt. Carthew.
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Carthew Trail
Catch glimpses of Cameron Lake and the rock and ice of Mount Custer and Forum Peak through the trees as you climb. At 3 km, the switchbacks end and the next 1 km is mostly level walking through meadows and open forest, with views ahead to glacier-clad Chapman Peak. At 4 km you reach Summit Lake, backed by Chapman and Custer to the south.
At the trail junction, turn left for Carthew and Alderson Lakes. Climb away from Summit Lake on a stony path of broken rock and continue as you traverse a steep forested slope. You are heading for barren Carthew Ridge, directly ahead.
At 6 km, emerge above treeline onto a steeply sloping grassy meadow. Enjoy magnificent views south and west as you contour, and then slowly switchback up, the scree.
At 8 km, crest the ridge to stand atop 2,310 meter Carthew Summit. Look north over Carthew Lakes, flanked by Mounts Carthew and Alderson, with a glimpse of flat prairie in the distance.
At 11 km, make a brief climb to the top of a broad ridge and switchback down towards the brilliant blue waters of Alderson Lake. The trail winds above the lake without reaching the shore and heads into forest at 13 km.
The final 6.8 km through Carthew Creek Valley are forested, albeit fairly open with some wildflowers and views to Buchanan Ridge. Although this last section lacks the visual splendor of the ridge and lakes, the walking is easy.
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Carthew Trail
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