Grays Basin to Mud Lake Ridge Walk
We did a nice loop across the high ridge line above Gray’s Basin on Sunday. Park on the Bridal Veil Road and follow the historic mining trail to the Mayflower Mine in Grays Basin. Be careful not to fall into the open mine pit! Hike up the south facing slope to the ridge crest near Ingram Peak. This slope is traditionally one of the premier wildflower slopes around and it was in full bloom last Sunday.
Once on the ridge crest follow it uphill skirting around a couple of rock outcrops. Stay on the ridge as much as possible. Climb to the summit of peak 13,142′. I’m certain this has a Colorado Mountain Club letter/number (T?) assigned to it but I don’t know what it is. From the top of the peak descend West/North down the ridge that separates Gray’s Basin from Mud Lake Basin. Keep your eyes open for good crystals.
Proceed down the ridge to a grassy slope that you will see from a distance. Descend that grassy slope, which is another killer wildflower section, down to Mud Lake Basin. Go down through Mud Lake until you reach the Blue Lake Pipeline. Follow the pipeline back to the Gray’s Basin/Mayflower Mine Trail and then down to the Bridal Veil road.
There is a sweet new geyser type water feature shooting 20’+ into the air out of the Mud Lake Pipeline.
Most of this route does not follow any established trails and requires some navigating and experience with off trail hiking above treeline. Folks with reasonable T-ride fitness level should Plan 5.5 hours car to car minimum. Best to add an hour or two for checking out the mine and all of the flowers. Another variation we have enjoyed is to descend from 13,142’into Ingram Basin and loop back to the car that way. Happy trails!
View Gray’s Basin – Mud Lake.kml in a larger map
