American Lake TH #1985
ALERTS:
• Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.
• Advance reservation permits are required for overnight stays in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones. See regulations below.
The American Lake Trail rises steeply, switching back through the aspen for about 1-1/2 miles before reaching a spruce forest. From this point to the lake the trail levels with periodic ascents of an easy to moderate grade. On a rainy day the forest aroma is delightful. The trail continues its ascent intermittently passing through forest and meadows that are ablaze with wild flowers from mid-July to mid-August. Approximately 1/2 mile before the lake, the trail emerges into a fantastic wildflower oasis surrounded by scree. It briefly re-enters the forest before it crosses another large scree field with sounds of a waterfall just ahead and to the left. The lake is just beyond this.
General Information
A permit is required for overnight stays in Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones. This permit must be acquired in advance at recreation.gov.
For all other overnight trips to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, registration is required at the trailhead.
Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness regulations protect this special place:
- Overnight permit required for overnight stays within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones.
- Food, trash and any scented items must be stored in an IGBC approved bear resistant container. Human food habituated bears are a threat to human safety. Visitors without approved bear resistant containers will be ticketed and required to leave.
- You must have a plan for human waste. Human waste bags (WAG) bags are highly recommended and are available free of charge at the Conundrum Creek and Snowmass Lake trailheads. WAG bags must be packed out. Learn more about how to use a WAG bag. If a WAG bag is not used, visitors are required to deposit solid human waste in holes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet (70 paces) from water, camp and trails.
- Group size is limited to 10 with no more than 15 stock animals in one group. Large groups multiply impacts to the wilderness and disrupt the solitude of others
Getting There
Elevation
11,365 feet (3464 m)
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Restrooms
Restroom information is not currently available for this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
