South Park Trail to Square Top Mountain

The trail is often accessed from Guanella Pass. Restrooms are available at the Guanella Pass trailhead. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking can fill up.

Yes, dogs are permitted on this trail, but they must be kept on a leash.

The best time to jog this high-alpine trail is typically from late spring through early fall, once the snow has melted. Late summer offers the chance to see lingering snowpack on surrounding peaks. Always check weather conditions before heading out, as high-altitude weather can change rapidly.

Generally, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike or jog the South Park Trail to Square Top Mountain within the Arapaho National Forest. However, always check the latest regulations from the U.S. Forest Service before your visit, as rules can change.

The trail starts as a fairly easy dirt path with a gradual incline. Around two miles in, it steepens to a challenging dirt ascent. Higher up, the terrain transitions to tundra with embedded rock, minor loose scree, and occasional rubble. The final push to the summit involves a non-technical rock scramble and can have steeper sections with very loose scree. Above 13,000 feet, the path can be less defined but the terrain may be easier. It's primarily high alpine singletrack.

This trail is rated as 'difficult' primarily due to its high altitude (summit around 13,783-13,794 feet), significant elevation gain (around 2,310-2,400 feet), and length. The starting elevation of 11,686 feet means altitude sickness can be a factor. While challenging, it's not technical, making it suitable for experienced runners looking for a demanding high-altitude workout.

You'll be treated to extensive, sweeping views of numerous alpine lakes, Mount Bierstadt, and Mount Evans. The entire route offers beautiful vistas of Square Top Peak itself, the Front Range, and down into Peru Creek. Keep an eye out for the Square Top Lakes spur trail and the summit of Square Top Mountain.

The South Park Trail to Square Top Mountain is an excellent alternative to more crowded high-altitude trails like Mount Bierstadt. It offers a comparable challenge and stunning views but with significantly fewer people, making it a great choice for those seeking solitude and a genuine wilderness experience.

This is an out-and-back route. You will return along the same path you ascended.

The area is known for mountain goats, which are sometimes seen along the trail. You'll also experience the unique high-alpine flora of low willows and grassy hillsides.

Yes, the route primarily follows the South Park Trail. It also briefly passes through a section of the Mount Bierstadt Trail.