Silver Dollar Lake and Murray Lake

Silver Dollar Lake and Murray Lake

Fall colors are a delight on this hike, with golden aspen and rich autumn hues carpeting the tundra. The beauty of Silver Dollar and Murray Lakes draws many hikers. The trail (initially on private property, but with public access) quickly passes timberline south of Naylor Lake, and continues west to Silver Dollar Lake, set in a perfect cirque beneath Square Top Mountain. The trail then rises over tundra to isolated Murray Lake, with Mount Wilcox looming above to the north and Argentine Peak to the west along the Divide. By Week 39, the aspen along the Guanella Pass Road may be at their golden peak, and the tundra around the high lakes will be carpeted in rich fall colors. Alpen avens in particular are very numerous and lend a deep red hue to this autumn tapestry. And you may yet find a few hardy arctic gentians in full bloom, traditionally the last of the late season, alpine tundra flowers. Their white cups, delicately streaked with sky blue, are a sure sign that the first snow on the peaks is only a few weeks away.

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