Spruce Lake Protected Area

Trails
Trails in this protected area have multi users so use caution and leave as little impact as possible. Many sections of trails, especially in the valley, forested areas and grasslands can be very muddy throughout the season.

Gun Creek
The main trailhead for Gun Cr. and Spruce Lake is at Jewel Bridge. The first portion of trail follows Gun Cr. for 11.5 km with an elevation gain of 450 m. At 11.5 km is the junction for Spruce Lake. Continue along Gun Cr. for another 11 km with an elevation gain of 200 m to the junction for trails to Deer Pass and Warner Pass. Hummingbird Lake is approx.5.5 km and Trigger Lake is approx. 9km past this junction. Taylor Pass is 12 km past Trigger Lake with an elevation gain of 500 m.

Warner Pass
This trail starts near the cabin on Trigger Lake, following Warner Cr. for 3 km with an elevation gain of 250 m to Warner Lake. Warner Pass is reached after another 7 km and an elevation gain of 500 m.

Spruce Lake
From the Gun Cr. trail junction at 11.5 km, the trail to Spruce Lake climbs 200 m in 1 km. Here at the south end of Spruce Lake is the junction to trails leading to the grasslands above Gun Cr. Continue on the relatively flat trail along the east side of Spruce Lake for another 1.5 km to reach the campsite.

High Trail
This trail starts at the south end of Spruce Lake, off the main trail. The first 5 km of trail, with an elevation gain of 600 m takes the hiker to Windy Pass. The next 7 km drops down 700 m to the Lower Eldorado Basin. For the next 8 km the trail drops 1000 m passing the junction of the Taylor-Pearson trail and ending at the south end of Tyaughton Lake.

W.D. Trail
This trail starts at the north end of Spruce Lake. The trail follows Spruce Lake Creek for approx.2 km. The trail then climbs a western ridge with an elevation gain of 60 m, follows the ridge for approx. 3 km before dropping 120 m to Tyaughton Cr. At this point hikers can cross Tyaughton Cr. and join the Tyaughton Cr. trail.

Tyaughton Cr. Trail
This trail features open grasslands, moderate grades and spectacular views. The trailhead is accessed by the Mud Creek Forest Service road. At 12 km the mouth of Spruce Lake Cr. is reached. The trail continues along the valley bottom for another 13 km and reaches the mouth of Lizard Cr. About 200 m before Lizard Cr., in an open meadow, Tyaughton Cr. can be crossed. The trail continues to follow Tyaughton Cr. for another 6 km, gaining 600 m in elevation to Elbow Pass.

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