Length
Elevation Gain
Highest Point
The trail begins in old-growth forest, thick enough to provide shade but thin enough to allow filtered sunlight in. It gains elevation moderately to a junction with the Canyon Ridge trail at two-thirds of a mile from the trailhead. At the junction, continue straight, then drop slightly as the tree canopy opens to a swampy area holding huckleberry bushes, a small lake and a couple of ponds; these are the Damfino Lakes.
After 0.25 mile of flat terrain, you climb again in shady forest until the trail again levels off at just over 5,000 feet. At 2 miles, the forest gives way to rolling meadows and views of Excelsior Pass. 200 yards ahead, rock-hop a stream, then climb through open meadows the remaining half mile to Excelsior Pass, elevation 5,375 feet. A wooden post marks the junction with the High Divide Trail #630, both from its start at the Excelsior Pass trailhead, and its continuation east along the Divide toward Welcome Pass and eventually the Welcome Pass trailhead.
It’s decision time. Just uphill of the wooden post is an obvious boot path leading up to the top of Excelsior Peak. This direct route is 5.6 miles, roundtrip, from the parking lot. Or, straight ahead, the High Divide trail traverses below the peak. If you have the time, follow the High Divide Trail, gently ascending through lupine and sedge.
Fall colors are spectacular along this section. 0.5 mile from Excelsior Pass is another pass along the Divide. This one has a boot path ascending Excelsior Peak from the east. Continue along the Divide as far as you like. Then on your return, ascend the boot path to the summit of Excelsior Peak and enjoy the full 360-degree views. You can take the west boot path back down to Excelsior Pass, then out to the trailhead on familiar trail. Even if you go no further along the Divide, this recommended loop is a round trip of only 6.4 miles, leaving you plenty of time for other options.
Trailhead
