Highland Mary Lakes climbs from Cunningham Gulch to the Continental Divide

For a high alpine walk close to Silverton, the Highland Mary Lakes Trail is a well-known route. From town you head north toward Howardsville, then turn up a forest road into Cunningham Gulch to reach the trailhead. The last stretch of that road can be rough, so a low-clearance car may not make the final distance.

From there the trail climbs into open, mostly treeless basins dotted with small lakes and, in late summer, wildflowers. It crosses into the Weminuche Wilderness and links up with the Continental Divide Trail, the long-distance route that runs the spine of the Rockies. That makes this a good doorway into the high country without an overnight if you turn around in time.

Because part of the route is above tree line and the terrain is open, it is easy to lose the path in spots, and afternoon storms build fast at this elevation. Wilderness rules apply once you cross the boundary: no motors, no bikes, a group-size limit of 15, and camping set back from the water.

For trailhead access, the road into Cunningham Gulch, and current wilderness rules, check the San Juan National Forest Highland Mary Lakes page before you go.