Lions

Lions is a short, easy hike in Colorado's Grand Valley Ranger District, part of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. The route runs about 2.6 miles out and back from the Skyway Trailhead, with a total elevation gain of about 70 feet, from a low point of roughly 10,623 feet to a high of about 10,680 feet. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is open year-round. The trail is rated easy. It is a natural-surface route, and both bikes and horses are allowed. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical July averages from a nearby weather station run around 68°F for highs and 42°F for lows. That station sits a few hundred feet lower than the hike, so temperatures on the route run slightly cooler. Winter is far colder, with typical highs in the mid-20s and lows near 0 from December through February. Several other destinations sit close by. The Practice Loop, a cross-country ski route, is about 0.1 mile away. Scales Lake is about 0.3 mile off, and Spruce Grove Campground is about 0.8 mile away. Kannah Creek Wall, a climbing area, is about 5.6 miles away.