Highland Mary Lakes Loop

About

The Highland Mary Lakes Loop is a 7.8-mile difficult hike located near Silverton, Colorado, within the Weminuche Wilderness. The trail begins at a parking area and follows Cunningham Creek past a junction with the Cunningham Gulch Trail. Hikers climb approximately 1,000 feet to treeline before entering an open, treeless alpine basin. The route connects with the Continental Divide Trail and offers views of the Needle Mountains. The loop returns via the Highland Mary Lakes Trail, passing through meadows with wildflowers in late summer. The trail features steep grades, frequent stream crossings, and variable weather conditions. Water is abundant but should be filtered due to Giardia. Camping is permitted in the basin, though regulations prohibit staying within 100 feet of streams or lakes. Wayfinding above treeline can be challenging, and a GPS is recommended to avoid backtracking on faint sections of the trail.