Details: Handies Peak

This terrific hike wanders through beautiful American Basin, visits scenic Sloan Lake and then ascends to the summit of Handies Peak (14,048-ft.) with spectacular panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains.

Trailhead to Sloan Lake

Distance from Trailhead: 2.3 miles (round trip)

Ending/Highest Elevation: 12,920-ft.

Elevation Gain: 1,320-ft.

Few trailheads boast the impressive scenery at the start of the hike to Handies Peak. From the parking area views extend south across the basin’s emerald green meadows to the rugged 13,000-ft. ridge towering above the head of the valley. The scenery is especially impressive during late July and early August when a showy display of wildflowers carpets the valley floor.

The Handies Peak trail leaves the southeast end of the trailhead parking area and ascends the hillside on the left (east) side of the valley, heading south into the basin through pretty meadows. At 0.7 miles the path crosses a stream and then continues the moderate ascent toward the head of the basin.

At 1.0 mile the trail splits. The path to Handies Peak turns left (southeast), leaving the valley floor and climbs 325-ft. up a moderately steep hillside. At the top of hill the path descends into a shallow basin, crosses the outlet stream for Sloan Lake and then climbs gently across rocky meadows. Soon the path turns south, climbing steep switchbacks, gaining 200-ft., up to a junction with the trail to Sloan Lake at 1.6 miles. At the junction a short spur trail drops south to the shores of Sloan Lake (12,930-ft.) while the trail to Handies Peak veers left.

The short side trip to Sloan Lake is well worth your time. The aquamarine lake lies cradled in a rugged cirque, anchored to the southeast by American Peak (13,806-ft.). An imposing jagged ridge rises above the lake’s south shoreline.

Sloan Lake to Handies Peak

Distance from Trailhead: 5.4 miles (round trip)

Ending/Highest Elevation: 14,048-ft.

Elevation Gain: 2,448-ft.

To continue hiking to the summit return to the Sloan Lake junction and follow the trail as it curves to the northeast, traversing the talus slopes beneath an unnamed peak on the ridge extending south from Handies Peak. The traverse leads to the southwest facing flank of Handies Peak where a series of steep switchbacks ascend grassy meadows to the 13,490-ft. saddle on the peak’s south ridge, gaining 460-ft. in 0.5 miles.

The way to the summit is now evident. Follow the trail is it steeply ascends the south ridge on scree covered slopes, gaining 560-ft in 0.4 miles.

The panoramic views from the top are some of the best in the area. To the southwest the jagged peaks of the Grenadiers and the Needles Mountains extend to the horizon. To the north are the distinctive summits of the Uncompahgre Wilderness, including Wetterhorn, Matterhorn and Uncompahgre Peaks. To the northeast is the La Garita Range while to the west/northwest the peaks of the San Juan Mountains near Silverton and Ouray, including the Mt. Sneffels Range, fill the skyline.

After taking in the views retrace your steps back to your car. Alternatively, combine the Handies Peak trail with the Grizzly Gulch trail to form a long, strenuous loop. The loop can be hiked in either direction. Many people start at the Grizzly Gulch trailhead and hike up to Handies Peak. From the top follow the Handies Peak trail down through American Basin to the main road and back to the Grizzly Gulch Trailhead. This 10 mile loop gains 3,592-ft.