Tombstone Lake Trail #1943

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Spring · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Bring bug repellant. Those are not hummingbirds.

Starting at the junction of West Eagle Trail #1934 jump over to the west side of the valley and start a steady climb up what will seem like 400 switchbacks. Just after 4 miles of beautiful mountain hiking you'll reach the summit as you cross over a saddle with views of the five Tombstone Lakes. If you have enough energy to head down in, you can cancel the plans for your own tombstone and start picking out a great camping spot.

The trail traverses north before making a dozen more switchbacks on the way down just for good measure. On the way out of Tombstone Lakes, you can view Diamond Lake below before going for the world record on switchbacks as you drop down to Elk Creek. Even though the switchbacks seem overwhelming, just think of that climb without them and be happy that there is no need for your personal tombstone yet. This trail drops you off at a junction with Elk Creek Trail #1944.