I'm going to keep this route page simple because, after all, the route is simple. This route page isn't to help you find the top so much as to give an idea of what it is like.

Hiking gear is all that is necessary for this route.

Fire-scarred snags along the ridge

The trail starts in an area that was clear-cut and is now re-foresting. Soon, however, the hiker enters mature forests and welcome shade. The hardest part of this route is really in the first mile and a half (first 2.4km for you International System types). The reason for this is because it is the steepest (gains 1500' to the ridgeline) and you don't have the benefit of getting the blood circulating before hiking it. After about the first mile and a half, the trail levels off for a while on the ridgeline with some gentle ups and downs. Here, views open up to the south, courtesy of the forest fire that raced to the ridgetop in 2000 (Nichols, TWC pg. 62). A few rocky knobs along the way open up views to of Engle Lake Basin, and the mountains to the north. One also gets a few glimpses of Engle Peaks SW aspects.

The trail re-enters the forests and soon after in a somewhat level area, meets with Trail# 926. Follow your instincts to stay high rather than descending this trail (which will not take you anywhere near where you want to be). Shortly after the junction, the correct trail will also descend through forests on the south side of the ridge to a large, open boulder field (to avoid going over a rocky hump along the ridgeline). Don't despair, as you will soon be regaining the lost elevation to a pass at the base of Engle's west face. Here the trail forks again. The left branch descends the south side of the ridge through boulder fields and into the forests surrounding Engle Lake (take this trail if you plan on camping). For the Peak veer right.

From the fork, it is an easy walk as the trail gently switchbacks 1000 vertical feet to the summit. Views, some of which have been good so far, become better and better and soon will be panoramic.

A word of CAUTION. Known bear dens are along the final section of trail. When I was there, the golden retriever that was with us showed an aweful amount of interests in one particular hole that was under a large, slab-like boulder. Be extremely cautious if you are in this area during spring and fall when the bear will likely be at or near the den, but not in his amiable state of slumber.

Satelite Map of Engle Peak and Engle Lake Basin

Engle Lake just below the center of the photo

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Getting There

Near milepost 17 on Highway 200, turn north onto Rock Creek Road 150. After a few hundred yards/meters, the road 150 splits.Veer to the right or you will will take a very lengthy detour loop. After veering right, drive another 4 1/2 miles to Rd# 2285.Turn right on this roat and drive about 7 miles to the end of the road and the trailhead, Trail 932.

Turnoff for Rd# 150 (Rock Creek Rd.)

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Turnoff to Rd# 2285

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External Links

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