Highline Loop

The Highline Loop, which is also called the Native Lake Trail, is a 17-mile hike with pawsitively breathtaking scenery and is a pawpular workout for everyone, including your canine kid. It is rated difficult and traverses through high elevation on this long trail. You and Fifi are going to love this adventure in the La Plata Mountains on the east side of the Continental Divide by Leadville Montezuma County, Colorado. Bring all needed supplies, including water and clean up bags, to make this trek pawsome!

Trekking through the San Juan National Forest is a fun and adventurous hike no matter where you start, but the asphalt and dirt Highline Loop Trail is a really pawesome place to see any time of the year. Start out early so you can be back before sunset since the path is supposed to be closed after the sun goes down. Begin this trail at the Kennebec Trailhead on Hagerman Pass Road (Highway 124), where you will find free parking and amenities here before you head out on your hike. 

Beginning in the thick conifer forest and heading through the dense growth of Aspen and an amazing array of wildflowers, you will climb steeply into the hills and switchbacks, crossing multiple streams until you get to the top of the ridge where the trees thin out, and you get a furrific view of the Continental Divide at the end of the furst half of the trail. On the second half, you will pass through meadows on a high tundra plateau with gorgeous views of Mount Massive and other mountains. 

You and your poochie will pass many small lakes where you can take a minute to cool off in the water. Keep an eye out for wildlife, and you may get some spectacular photos of some of the mountain critters including deer, goats, sheep, and other furry and feathered furiends. 

Around mile 15, you can see Native Lake on your right and some great views of Hermosa Creek. The rest of the trail is equally beautiful, and you and Fifi will love this trail and will want to come back often.