Sloan Lake – American Basin loop from Cooper Creek Trailhead
Sloan Lake – American Basin loop from Cooper Creek Trailhead
4
hikers
Sloan Lake – American Basin loop from Cooper Creek Trailhead
06:35
18.0km
1,070m
Hiking
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: April 19, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Handies Peak Wilderness Study Area
BLM - Gunnison Field Office
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
1.32 km
Grizzly Gulch/Silver Creek Trailhead
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
7.61 km
Handies Peak
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
9.42 km
Sloan Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
10.4 km
American Basin
Highlight • Gorge
Tip by
11.9 km
American Basin Trailhead/Handies Peak
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
12.8 km
Lake Fork Gunnison River & campsite
Highlight • River
Tip by
18.0 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
11.1 km
6.54 km
330 m
Surfaces
12.7 km
5.00 km
330 m
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Elevation
Highest point (4,250 m)
Lowest point (3,170 m)
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Weather
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Today
Saturday 11 July
21°C
7°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you are seeking a truly challenging and rewarding high-alpine adventure, the Sloan Lake – American Basin loop from Cooper Creek Trailhead is a difficult 11.2-mile (18.0 km) hiking route with a significant 3523 feet (1074 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 6 hours and 34 minutes. This loop is best suited for experienced hikers with very good physical fitness who are ready for a demanding day in the San Juan Mountains.
What to expect on Sloan Lake – American Basin loop from Cooper Creek Trailhead
This route takes you on a journey through some of Colorado's most dramatic high-alpine landscapes. You will begin with a gradual climb through high alpine meadows, eventually traversing rugged scree fields and crossing small streams as you ascend. The scenery truly opens up as you reach American Basin, a glacial carved valley renowned for its spectacular wildflower displays in July and August, with views of jagged rock formations and surrounding peaks like American Peak and Handies Peak. The pristine, turquoise waters of Sloan Lake offer a picturesque highlight before you continue through an environment largely above the timberline. Expect a sustained effort throughout, as the substantial elevation gain and varied terrain make this a hike for confident, well-prepared individuals.
Planning your visit
Given the difficult nature and high-altitude environment, proper acclimatization and hydration are essential for this loop. An early start is highly recommended to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, which are common in the San Juan Mountains. While the Cooper Creek Trailhead provides access, be aware that some parts of American Basin are typically accessed via rough 4x4 roads, so careful route planning is key. The best time to experience the vibrant wildflowers and generally more stable weather is during July and August. Parking at Cooper Creek Trailhead can fill up, so arriving early is always a good strategy.
Trail details
- Distance: 11.2 miles (18.0 km)
- Elevation gain: 3523 feet (1074 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 6 hours and 34 minutes
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