Details: | From the top of Guanella Pass, find the trailhead near the restrooms in the upper parking lot (on the west side of the road) Photo #1. Do not follow the crowds, most people will be heading towards Mt. Bierstadt (on the east side of the road). Shortly after starting, a sign Photo #2 will direct you toward Square Top Mtn and Square Top Lake. Hike through the well marked trail over several wooden bridges - Photo #3. Mt. Bierstadt and Mt. Evans will be visible behind you for most of the trail - Photo #4.
You will come to a fork in the trail with a sign directing you to continue straight to Square Top Lakes in Photo #5. Although not self-evident, you will want to take a left at this fork. Do not go towards Square Top Lakes. Continue hiking south following cairns and trail signs - Photo #6. Soon you will reach a sign directing you to take a right for Square Top Mtn - Photo #7.
From here on, there is no trail. Work your way up the ridge through the tundra - Photo #8. The terrain is easy all the way to the top, but don’t be fooled by false summits, such as in Photo #9. The summit itself is very large, so be sure to take in the views from all angles. Photo #10 shows the view from the summit looking east, and Photo #11 shows the view looking west. |