Powderhorn Wilderness - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Powderhorn Lake is a 50-acre freshwater lake with an adjacent 55-acre shallow pool, owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County. To the north lies Wolf Lake, a 950-acre freshwater lake, owned by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Once connected as part of a large collection of marshes, lakes, and rivers adjacent to Lake Michigan, these lakes have been isolated by urban and industrial development.

Calf Creek Plateau is a mountain in the northern San Juan Mountains of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The easiest route to the summit starts at the Powderhorn Lakes Trailhead located at the northern edge of the wilderness area.All these routes begin in subalpine forests before emerging into the scenic alpine landscape of the Powderhorn Wilderness.

Cannibal Plateau is a summit in Hinsdale County, Colorado in the United States. It is composed of basaltic lava flows of the Hinsdale Formation, which are dated as 16 to 19 million years old. The easiest route to the summit starts at the Powderhorn Lakes Trailhead located at the northern edge of the wilderness area. All these routes begin in subalpine forests before emerging into the scenic alpine landscape of the Powderhorn Wilderness.

Slumgullion Pass is an ultra-high mountain pass with an elevation of 11,530 ft. The north side has the steepest grade of any continuously paved road in Colorado, but the pass does not close often in winter because snowplows clear the route regularly during this season. The real Slumgullion Pass sits at about 200 feet lower in elevation on a ridge to the north and is inaccessible by vehicle, although the summit is referred to as “Slumgullion Pass.”

The Lake City Ski Hill is a great place to learn to ski or practice your turns, on skis or snowboard. With 14 skiable acres, six trails, and one terrain park, the ski hill isn’t huge.It’s a locals’ mountain with several runs and a small warming hut. Situated in Lake City, a picturesque alpine town, there is plenty of lodging and places to eat. Tucked away on the Silver Thread Scenic Highway, it’s perfect for those looking to escape any crowds.

Baldy Cinco is one summit in a group of four 13ers located on the north end of Snow Mesa - a vast, high altitude plateau east of Spring Creek Pass.The mountain, a thirteener, is located on the Continental Divide in the San Juan Mountains. Different areas of the slopes of Baldy Cinco lie in the Rio Grande National Forest, the La Garita Wilderness, and the Gunnison National Forest.