Copper Glance Lake

Copper Glance Lake is a beautiful alpine lake at the base of a cirque of mountains, Sherman Peak to the south, Big Craggy Peak to the north and West Craggy at the center.  While the Larch had not bloomed yet, there is an abundance of wildflower over the early summer this is quite impressive.

The trailhead only has room for several cars.  After parking, cross the road (NF-5130) and walk around a gate to access the trail.  The trail was overgrown a bit and had some downed trees but when I was leaving there was a 2-person crew cutting the downed trees to clear the path.

This trail is all up hill.  However, it is well shaded most of the way.  A little over a mile in there is the Copper Glance mine adit.  You can venture in if you dare. The trail continues through stands of Larch and open hillsides covered with wildflowers.  There is a slight descent to the lake through some talus.

Some great places to sit and eat lunch.  If you cross a small stream there is an open area suitable for camping.  I'm not sure about fishing regulations but there is plenty of Rainbow Trout swimming about right near the shoreline.  I didn't see another person the entire day except for the Forest Service crew clearing the trail near the trailhead.