Photo by Baker McKonly

Part of the High Country Trails.

This trail begins at Andrews Lake just south of Molas Pass on US 550. The whole trail is highly used to Crater Lake, so there shouldn’t be any issue route finding (unless you are doing a winter snowshoe or skin) to Crater Lake.

The trail to Crater Lake is just under 5.5 miles, but higher elevation routes sometimes feel longer. Take several switchbacks and gain some elevation before meeting the first meadow. You’ll seem to repeat yourself as you climb a “step”, go into a meadow, and go back into the forest.

At about mile 4.5, you’ll come to a large area with many downed trees due to a microburst several years ago. During the hike, if you have forgotten mileage, know this, that once at the downed trees, you are close to the lake.

After the downed trees, you’ll descend into a small valley and then ascend the other side. On top, you’ll come to a large pond which you’ll skirt. Continue to skirt the pond and come upon Crater Lake.

If you have arrived at Crater lake and decide that that wasn’t enough… good, there are options. One is to simply explore the area, it’s beautiful. Or, for those who want some quad and lung-busting elevation, continue on to North Twilight.

-Description from Hiking Project.