Shelf Lake Hike 7/22/2011
Shelf Lake is located in Smelter Gulch west of Mt. Evans and Square Top Mt.  
This hike is 6.6 miles roundtrip with a elevation change of 1715 feet.  This
hike was also done on 8/02/2017.
Looking up the Smelter Gulch
valley to Shelf Lake.
The ridge approaching Shelf
Lake is lined with wildflowers.
Argentine Peak to the north of
the valley.
The trail crosses Smelter Gulch
Creek at treeline.
Shelf lake, at 12,000 feet, still
has a iceburg on July 22nd.
Square Top Mountain located on
the north side of the Smelter Gulch
Trail #634.
The trailhead has a pile of
smelter tailings.
Shelf lake, in a field of
wildflowers.
The valley on August 2, 2017.
Photos from July 22, 2011
Photos from August 2, 2017
Map of trail 634 to Shelf Lake.
From Guanella Pass take CR116
to CR1038.  Drive to Trailhead
The trailhead has a pile of
smelter tailings.
The Shelf Lake trailhead
number 634.
The trail crosses Smelter Gulch
Creek at treeline.
The largest crossing of Smelter
Gulch Creek.
All colors of Paintbrush were
found in the valley.
First we pass by Flatop
Mountain to the north.
And to the northwest is
Argentine Peak.
The valley becomes loaded with
many varities of wildflowers.
The two mountains, Argentine left
and Square Top Mountain to the
right.
Argentine Peak with dozens of
varities of wildflowers.
Square Top Mountain with
dozens of varities of wildflowers.
Time is running out so we turn
back before reaching Shelf Lake.
The valley to the east is loaded
with Paintbrush.