The
convenient roadside access at Andrews Lake
coupled with the phenomenal alpine terrain
draws both grizzly, backcountry veterans as well
as first-time snowshoers clothed in the latest
Wrangler winter apparel. Despite the variety of
trail users and their accompanying skill sets, the
trailhead below the summit of Molas Pass is
rarely empty. Each weekend cars line Highway
550 as snowshoers, skiers and their favorite fourlegged
friends bound toward the powder and
open space surrounding the lake. A popular
location in both winter and summer, Andrews
Lake provides soul-searching solitude with
breathtaking views of Engineer Mountain and
the surrounding San Juans.
Ellen Owen's 4 -year-old Brittany named Cassie gets
a welcome rub from Diane Bassett on Sunday afternoon
near the Andrews Lake trailhead.
Spectacular alpine
views from Andrews Lake greet
a trio of backcountry travelers.
A skier works his
way up a small hill
after his descent
from terrain above
Andrews Lake.
Gretchen Schmeisser and her black
lab Kobie get ready for an Andrews Lake snowshoe trip Sunday
afternoon.
A skier approaches
the end of her Andrews
Lake adventure as she heads to the parking
area.
Bree Rankin sports
an ear-to-ear grin that
only fresh air and deep snow can create.
Jay Stoeckl, of Durango, passes
a Weminuche Wilderness sign above Andrews Lake late Sunday
afternoon on his return leg to Highway 550.
