Basics
- Location:
- Southwest of Denver
- Setting:
- Mountainous
- Length:
- 7.2 mile roundtrip
- Difficulty:
- Intermediate
- Time:
- 3.5 to 4.5 hours
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 9300 feet
- Elevation Change:
- -2700 feet
- Season:
- Summer, Early Fall
Description
The Tanglewood Trail begins in the southeast corner of the Mt. Evans Wilderness and climbs north into a saddle on the boundary between the Pike and Arapaho National Forests. From that point the trail continues north as the Roosevelt Lakes Trail and eventually ties into the trails on the east side of the Wilderness. Immediately east of the saddle (towards Rosedale Peak) are a series of pointed rock outcroppings called "Pegmatite Points". The upper portions of the trail are above treeline. The parking area at the trailhead has room for unloading horses as well as some corral facilities. Overnight camping is not permitted at the trailhead. This location is also the trailhead for the southeast (lower) terminus of the Rosalie Trail. You should be alert to the possible development of summer afternoon storms with their accompanying lightening, particularly above treeline. Because the trail is almost entirely in designated wilderness, Wilderness regulations apply.
From the Deer Creek Trailhead, the Tanglewood and Rosalie Trails go west and north up the Tanglewood Creek drainage to a junction just outside the Wilderness boundary. Here the two trails split and the Rosalie Trail bears left up an old logging road, while the Tanglewood Trail continues north along Tanglewood Creek. The trail climbs along Tanglewood Creek, and then begins to ascend toward the saddle above. The trail becomes more steep and strenuous, particularly after leaving the trees. The top of the saddle marks the boundary between Pike and Arapaho National Forests. Rosalie Peak will be visible immediately to the west and the Pegmatite Points will be visible along the ridge in an easterly direction.
At the saddle the trail becomes the Roosevelt Lakes Trail and begins to descend gradually across open tundra to Roosevelt Lakes (elevation 11,742’). From the lakes the trail continues north to the Beartrack Lakes Trail and points beyond in the Arapaho National Forest.
Details
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Useful Map(s):
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
Drive west from Denver on US 285 approximately 28 miles to the traffic light before the top of Crow Hill. Turn right (northwest) on to Park County 43 and drive in a northwesterly direction for 6.8 miles to a "Y" in the road. Bear left and drive 2.1 miles, staying right at the campground, to the parking area at the trailhead.
