Iceberg Lakes - 11.8 Miles Round-Trip

The Iceberg Lakes are located just below the Continental Divide, 1.1 miles north of Rogers Pass in the James Peak Wilderness. No trail reaches these lightly traveled lakes, but a 5.9 mile route from East Portal Trailhead leads up Rogers Pass and along the Continental Divide Trail to a great overlook.

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While the lakes are exceptional, the trek itself is equally compelling. The trail passes through a verdant forest up to Heart Lake, and open tundra along the CDT with views across the Indian Peaks, Rocky Mountain National Park and Vasquez Peak Wilderness.

Experienced hikers can sight-navigate down relatively moderate terrain to the lakes:

Follow signs right (north) of Moffat Tunnel to the South Boulder Creek Trail. It rises past the tunnel through intervals of aspen, spruce and meadow to the Arapaho Lakes - Forest Lakes split (1.25 miles : 9,545') and Crater Lakes split (1.85 miles : 9,925').

The trail crosses two bridges over Clayton Creek (2.2 miles : 10,038') and continues steadily in a moss-draped forest to a second tributary bridge (2.6 miles : 10,235')

A variously rocky and rooted climb leads to a cascade (3.48 miles : 10,742'), where it steepens to a makeshift log bridge that crosses (right) back over the creek (3.68 miles : 10,970’).

The forest thins into a scenic meadow at the base of Haystack Mountain, and levels on a northwest bend to Rogers Peak Lake (4.05 miles : 11,105').

The main trail wraps the lake’s east side and scales a steep ridge through treeline to Heart Lake and the Rogers Pass Trail split (4.35 miles : 11,316’). The split is not marked but the path is very clear. If not, look uphill for guideposts.

The Rogers Pass Trail climbs sharply with rangy views across the Heart - Rogers Peak lakes basin. It switchbacks several times before braiding atop the Divide. All paths intersect the Continental Divide Trail, but it’s advisable to follow signs off to your left.

There are two signs up here – an old dilapidated one for the pass (11,860’), and a new one with trail information (4.85 miles : 11,875’). Turn north at this second sign and follow double track to the Rogers Pass Trail - Corona Trail split (5.0 miles : 11,880’).

Veer right on the Corona Trail (this is the CDT), which rises over the Heart Lake cirque before moderating on a faint path in open tundra.

While the trail is vague, your heading is intuitive and aided by cairns and posts. Anticipate rough bands of talus leading to the Iceberg Lakes overlook (5.9 miles : 12,115’).

Views are exceptional, and it’s possible to sight-navigate down relatively moderate terrain to the lakes. Only experienced hikers should attempt this route.