West Tennessee Lakes
The hike to West Tennessee Lakes follows a broad valley as it gently ascends to the base of a headwall. The remains of the Homestake Mine and the tragedy of an avalanche that ended the dreams of its miners lie here. The trail becomes much steeper, but the rewards of the two lakes tucked high in a bowl below the Continental Divide make the extra effort well worth the hike. West Tennessee Creek is a tributary of the Arkansas River, whose main headwaters start near Fremont Pass. The upper Arkansas Valley near Leadville is part of the Rio Grande Rift, land that subsided when forces below uplifted much of Colorado another 5,000 feet between twenty-eight and five million years ago. Periods of glaciation followed, covering the east side of the Sawatch Range. One glacier flowed down the West Tennessee Valley, leaving behind a cirque with two beautiful lakes.
Driving Directions
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Directions to: West Tennessee Lakes
print directionsTrail Statistics & Information
| Activity | Hiking |
|---|---|
| Nearby City | Leadville |
| Length | 8.8 mi |
| Elevation Gain | 1,410 ft |
| Skill Level | More Difficult |
| Duration | 3.5 to 6 hours |
| Season | Best from July to early October |
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