Tuhare Lakes Trail Hike in Minturn, Colorado: The Halfmoon and Fall Creek Pass Route- The Tuhare Lakes hiking trail is one of the best hikes near Mintrin and Vail, Colorado. The trail will take you to three lakes, Lake Constantine, Upper Tuhare and Lower Tuhare Lakes. The drive on the road up to the hike, Tigiwon is one of the hardest parts of this trail, so so worth it! This article will tell you all need need to know about the road up, where to stay, camping along the trail, along with how hard, far, long the hike is and more.
Stats
Length: 12 miles round trip
Time: 6-8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous
Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet (12,365 feet max elevation at upper lake)
Trailhead: Fall Creek Trailhead (at the Halfmoon Campground)
Trail Type: Out and Back
Overview
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How To Get There
The trailhead to this hike is called the Fall Creek Trailhead. It is located right at the Half Moon Campground/Pass parking lot. The parking lot and trailhead are at the end of Tigiwon Road off Highway 24 in Minturn, Colorado. Tigiwon road will need to be taken very slowly if you don’t have a high clearance vehicle or 4 wheel drive. Tigiwon Road is 8.2 miles to the trailhead, but it still took us over an hour to get there without a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Parking spaces are limited at the trailhead, however roadside parking is permitted.
When To Go
Tigiwon Road is closed annually from May 1 to June 21. Accessible by snowmobile is available in the winter, avalanche hazards do exist along the later half of Fall Creek Trail and Tuhare Lakes. It is best to go between the months of June to October. We went in mid July, we didn’t come across any snow patches until hiking to the second Tuhare Lake (Upper Lake).
Where To Stay
If Camping
Halfmoon Campground
If camping Halfmoon Campground would be the place to stay. But it is a tent only campground, first come first serve (no site reservations), and has very limited amenities (only a drop toilet, no running water, or potable water). There are some dispersed camping spots along the road on the way up. When we went Halfmoon Campground was closed due to COVID-19, so make sure you check their site for information.
Camp Hale Memorial Campground
We actually stayed at Camp Hale Memorial Campground, Halfmoon was closed and we didn’t want to risk not getting a dispersed campground spot. Camp Hale is about 20 minutes from the road up to Halfmoon. But keep in mind that the drive up to Halfmoon and the trailhead will take at least another hour. So staying elsewhere will make it a long drive in, but the hike is worth it. I would advise to just get an early start! Read about the drive up in the above ‘how to get there’ section of this post.
Backpacking
If you want to camp on the trail you can about 4 miles in at Lake Constantine. Self-registration permits are available at the trailhead. Campers must carry a completed registration form with them for the duration of their trip. Camping is prohibited within 100′ of any lake or stream and group sizes are limited to 15 individuals. Campfires are permitted for dispersed camping in the backcountry, with potential seasonal restrictions. Campfires are not permitted above or within .25 miles of the treeline, or within 100′ of any lake or stream in the Holy Cross Wilderness.
Non-Camping Options
The town of Minturn, Colorado will put you right near the road up to the trailhead, about a 5 minute drive. It’s a cute little town. It only takes about 2 minutes to drive through the whole town but has lots of options for dining. Vail, Colorado is also about 15 minutes from the road up to the trailhead if wanting to stay there.
How Hard Is The Hike?
This is a high elevation gain hike. If you are not used to high elevation make sure to acclimate. This means spend a few days on smaller hikes or simply stay in the area to acclimate. We did this hike the fourth day in Colorado (from Ohio) so we felt somewhat acclimated. At the Rocky Mountains National Park I did feel more tired on our first day. This lead to more breaks in the trail. Still doable but listen to your body and be prepared to turn around.
The Route
Start
After making the long bumpy road up you will start at the Fall Creek Trailhead. The first 2 miles of this hike will be a slow elevation gain through the dense woods. Occasionally the trail bounces out to the cliff side with open views. This was a very pleasant slow elevation gain, which was much appreciated.
About 2 miles in the trail will split. Going straight on will take you towards the Tuhare Lakes and Lake Constantine, the trail to your right will take you up Notch Mountain. This is a good resting area if needed.
Right after this split the trail level outs again, I felt like it was a pretty easy walk for a big portion of this hike.
Lake Constantine
Lake Constantine will be about 4 miles into the hike to Tuhale Lakes. Some people stop here and turn around, but it is well worth it to keep going for just another half mile to see the waterfalls, creeks and mountains tops.
Many hikers that use this trail as a through hike or just to camp overnight to stay here. There are designated fire pit areas and great views of the lake.
Take a break here if needed as the rest of the hike will be a big incline.
The Incline
I would suggest that if you are using hiking poles to go ahead and put them away as you will need your hands to scramble up the rocky terrain shortly after visiting Lake Constantine.
As you begin to climb, to your right you’ll notice a massive waterfall and view of the backside of Notch Mountain
I had to take a few breaks, both to catch my breath and wanting to take in the magical views. This area was my favorite scenery of the hike, waterfalls, streams and lush green grass all encompassing. Made me feel like I was in New Zealand, or it was a scene straight out of Lord of the Rings.
Lower Tuhare Lake
After the scramble up the hillside you will find the first Tuhare Lake, Lower Tuhare Lake. This lake will be about 5 miles into your hike. We enjoyed a few snacks here about we set out to the next lake.
Upper Tuhare Lake
Finding Upper Tuhare Lake was a little trickier than finding Lower Tuhare Lake. This lake is only about half a mile from Lower Tuhare Lake. But the route up is difficult to follow and even more difficult to retrace. We followed a path that was counter clockwise around Lower Tuare Lake. Eventually the path fades out and becomes hard to follow. We looked for foot prints in snow patches and mud, and stacked rocks to find our way. Crossing one shallow stream along the way.
The way back will be the same as the way in as this is an out and back hike.
Optional Extensions
The Fall Creek Trail continues past the Tuhare Lakes Trail to Fall Creek Pass if looking for an extension for through hike along this route.
You can also keep following the Fall Creek Pass along the ridge to get to the Seven Sisters Lakes and to the Hunky Dory Trailhead.
If wanting to explore all these areas I would definitely use Lake Constantine is a base camp location.
Tips For The Hike
Vehicle
It is best to for here with a 4 wheel drive or high clearance vehicle. We did not have on, and saw others that did not as well. And we all made it. I would say be prepared to take your time and keep a constant eye out for pot holes and big rocks in the road.
Water
There is no portable water at the trailhead or campground to make sure you come prepared with a full water bladder and any water you might need if deciding to camp. At the trailhead there is one drop toilet.
Altitude
This is a high altitude hike. We did this on our second day in the park and I struggled with tiredness. Drink lots of water, electrolytes, eat protein and maybe stay in town to get used the the altitude before going on the big hike the first day of your vacation.
Leave No Trace
Follow the Leave No Trace guidelines and tips to keep these beautiful places open the public and beautiful.
Be Aware of Weather
The Tuhare Lakes access trail is steep, and can be difficult to follow with lingering snow. Traction devices may be necessary early in the season for your feet and possibly your car.
What To Bring
DayPack-My favorite lightweight summer daypack is the Osprey Daylite Daypack. Perfect size for all that you need.
Hiking Poles- I like my travel hiking poles for long all day hikes, definitely helps the knees.
Snacks- we like jerky sticks, a peanut butter sandwich, granola bars, and trailmix to bring on our hikes.
Layers- You never know what the weather will do when you are this high up into the mountains. Layers are key, I love my Columbia shirts for warmth in a morning chill and SPF protection in the heat. It did get chilly at the top of the second lake.
Hydration Bladders- we each filled 2 liter water bladders and this 1 liter collapsible water bottle for our day hike.
Electrolytes- to help with dehydration and altitude sickness I like to use a hydration tablet (I love the Nuuns as they are easy to pack) at least once a day. So I stuck one in my water bottle for this hike.
Sturdy Hiking Shoes: I wore my Vasques Hiking Shoes.
Rain Jacket- I got this one during REI’s annual sale and it was perfect for our trip.
Bug Spray– These were bugs in the Lake Constantine area when we went.
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