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Silver Dollar Lake can be used for either a pleasant day hike or an overnight backpack. The hike to Silver Dollar Lake begins below the timberline, but by the time you reach Silver Dollar Lake, there are no trees. This lake is located up a glacial valley with two saddles located to the west and the north. The terrain at Silver Dollar Lake is flat with a reasonable amount of grass and tundra and is considered a good place to camp. Bring your camera, there are many panoramic views. How to get there: Take I-70 west to the Georgetown exit. Drive through town and find the signs that direct you to the Guanella Pass Road (CR381). You can see a segment of this road if you look to the south of Georgetown. This county road is paved for 4 - 5 miles, just south of the Lower Cabin Creek Reservoir. The road that continues is gravel and is well-graded up and over to the other side of Guanella Pass. The turn-off to Naylor and Silver Dollar Lakes is on the right side (west) of CR381, about 3.5 miles south of the Lower Cabin Creek Reservoir. There is a sign at the turn-off road that says Naylor and Silver Dollar Lakes. If you have a low-set car there are places to park at the entrance to the secondary road. A truck or 4- 4-wheel drive vehicle would have no trouble taking the secondary road for about a mile west. There is a reasonable amount of parking on the south side of the road just before Naylor Lake, noted on the map as (P)2. The trash Naylor Lake is private property. The hiking trail to Silver Dollar Lake starts south of the parking area and heads west, up the south side of the valley. During June and early July there are large snowdrifts covering parts of the trail. You may sink-in up to your knees hiking this stretch. The trail climbs gradually with the view always getting better. Silver Dollar Lake is about 1.5 miles from the Naylor Lake parking area. If you hike to Silver Dollar Lake be sure to do the additional hike further west to Murray Lake and up to the saddle for a spectacular view. Notes: Tents must be self standing if backpacking in for an overnight stay. Water is available from snow run-off near Silver Dollar Lake most of the year. Be sure to treat your water.
Created on: 2024-09-07 15:52:17
Last edited by: rhall290472 On: 2024-09-22 11:47:44