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DENNY CREEK TO HARTENSTEIN LAKE

Published with permission from the guide book: Mellow Mountain Trails Hiking Guide to Colorado’s Upper Arkansas River Valley

by Nathan Ward.

  • Featuring 27 Fun Day Hikes in Buena Vista & Salida – beginner to expert..
  • Maps and Elevation Profiles for each ride, including altitude gain and loss.
  • Local Advice on riding areas and seasons, where to sleep, where to soak, where to find the best pizza, the best coffee and the best bars in Buena Vista & Salida, Colorado.

Denny Creek to Hartenstein Lake

Named for turn of the century Buena Vista Lawyer, George K. Hartenstein, Hartenstein Lake sits in a high basin just below treeline. The hike to the lake climbs steadily and sometimes steeply through pine and aspen forests and small open meadows. The trail is a well-marked, rocky singletrack into the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area. The views are spectacular and the lake is pristine and serene. You’ll probably be the only one there.

Watch for mountain goats above the lake. They were transplanted to Cottonwood Pass in the 1940s from Washington’s Olympic Mountains and have since spread over Colorado’s central mountains.

Options
At the junction with trail #1451 (Mile 1.2), you can climb Mt. Yale (14,196 ft.) if you’re very fit and get started very early. Alternatively, go right at Mile 2.0 and hike up to Brown’s Pass and Kroenke Lake. These are all wonderful hikes.

Trailhead Access & Facilities
From the stoplight in downtown Buena Vista on US 24, drive west on CR 306 for 12.2 miles to the Denny Creek Trailhead. Turn right into the trailhead and park. The trail starts here.

There are pit toilets at the trailhead.

Location: Cottonwood Pass, West of BV
Distance: 5.8 Miles – Out & Back
Hiking Time: 3-4 Hours
Best Months: June through September
Trail Type: Singletrack
Difficulty: Strenuous
Dog Friendly: Yes – Dogs on a leash in wilderness areas.
Elevation in Feet: Low Point 9,927; High Point 11,523; Climbs/Descends 1,720
Land Status: San Isabel National Forest, Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area
Maps: Trails Illustrated #129
Note: You can camp near the lake – at least 200 feet away and practice low-impact camping.

Denny_Creek_to_Hartenstein_Lake_Outlines
Denny_Creek_to_Hartenstein_Lake_EP_Outlines

Denny Creek to Hartenstein Lake Mileage Log

0.0 Trailhead Elevation 9,877 ft. (N38 48.91, W106 20.07) Sign the trailhead register and start stepping.
0.1 There are small trails here to Denny Creek on the right. Don’t take these – stay on the main trail.
0.2 You are entering the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area, 166,000 acres of prime mountain country.
0.3 There is a log fence to the right.
0.9 Denny Creek is to the right of the trail. Cross Denny Creek on a log bridge.
1.1 Cross a small stream.
1.2 Cross a small bridge just before the trail intersects the Mt. Yale Trail, (#1451). Take the left trail to Brown’s Pass and Hartenstein Lake #1442. There is a sign here. Elevation 10,689 ft. (N38 49.78, W106 20.55)
1.4 Cross small creek on rocks.
1.7 Look to the left for spectacular views.
2.0 Trail divides here. Hartenstein Lake is to the left. Brown’s Pass and Kroenke Lake to the right. A sign indicates which way to go for Hartenstein Lake. Go left.
Elevation 11,160 ft. (N38 50.09, W106 21.16)
2.6 Cross small creek.
2.9 Hartenstein Lake! Elevation 11,472 ft. (N38 49.92, W106 21.98) Enjoy the views and the beautiful, secluded, high mountain lake. After resting, follow the same trail down.
5.8 Back at the trailhead.

mountain_biking_be_prepared

BE PREPARED

We want you to have a safe and enjoyable trip into Colorado’s backcountry. Be prepared it could be a long walk out. Be sure to read this list of equipment you should bring on your ride along with tips to make your biking trip more enjoyable.

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TRAIL ETIQUETTE

The Colorado backcountry is popular – bikers, hikers, motorcycle riders, hunters and equestrians use the trail system in the Arkansas Valley, and everyone wants a private piece of heaven. Even if you don’t agree with everyone’s motives or methods of travel, please treat them in a courteous manner.

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mountain_biking_trail_etiquette

CORSAR CARD

If you require search and rescue services, it can be costly. Buy a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) card to protect yourself. Funds from the CORSAR program go into the Colorado Search and Rescue (SAR) Fund. If a CORSAR card holder becomes lost or injured in the backcountry, the Colorado SAR Fund pays eligible search and rescue expenses.

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CARE FOR COLORADO – ARE YOU COLO-READY?

Visitor Photos

Hiking

Few hiking experiences in Colorado rival the journey from Denny Creek to Hartenstein Lake, a route that immerses you immediately in the serene beauty of the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. At just under six miles out and back, the trail winds through pine and aspen forests, along trickling streams, and up rocky singletrack sections before arriving at a quiet alpine basin. The lake, named for Buena Vista lawyer George K. Hartenstein, sits in a tranquil setting where you might glimpse elusive mountain goats along the rugged slopes. Although the ascent can be strenuous, the reward is well worth every step: pristine waters, stunning views of Colorado’s high country, and an intimate moment of solitude far from overcrowded tourist spots.

Many adventurers who explore Hartenstein Lake value independence and freedom, not just on the trail but in their leisure pursuits as well. After a day spent tackling steep inclines and enjoying the crisp mountain air, some travelers appreciate having entertainment options that allow them to unwind on their own terms. If you’re seeking ways to add an extra thrill to your downtime, there are online resources that offer bigger bonuses, faster withdrawals, and a more flexible approach than standard gaming platforms. One such option is Non Gamstop Casinos 2025, a hub for players who prefer sites free from GamStop or UKGC constraints. These casinos provide extensive game libraries, competitive promotions, and user-friendly interfaces, catering to those who relish the freedom to choose where and when they enjoy a bit of excitement.

Whether you’re following Denny Creek all the way to the lake or branching off toward Brown’s Pass, Colorado’s backcountry offers an escape from the ordinary. Pairing a rewarding hike with online entertainment can sometimes be just the right balance: a perfect blend of active exploration and relaxed recreation. As you plan your adventure around Buena Vista and Salida, take advantage of the essential trailhead facilities, study the area’s weather patterns, and pack smart before setting off for some of the state’s most spectacular alpine terrain. And when the sun dips beneath the peaks, you can find an equally enjoyable pastime online, one that complements your sense of independence. That way, every day of your trip embodies both the spirit of outdoor discovery and the personal freedom to play, engage, and savor Colorado’s natural beauty on your own terms.