The climb out of the American Basin up to American Pass is steep and strenuous. Your reward is a great view over Turkey Thief Lake and the surrounding San Juan Mountains including Handies Peak, one of the 14,000ers.

Caro "Bandit"

September 11, 2025

Running

Zachary

November 25, 2023

Running

The Hardrock 100 route passes over here between Grouse Gulch and Handies Peak (the direction naturally varying by year). The trail is nontechnical singletrack with stunning views all around. Turkey Thief Lake is a short descent to the west.

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Best routes near American Pass

hikers

#1.

Turkey Thief Lake – Sloan Lake loop from Cinnamon Mountain

18.7km

06:49

1,180m

1,190m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Elevation 3,980 m

Weather

Today

Thursday 9 April

5°C

-6°C

30 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h

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Location: San Juan County, Colorado, United States

Other Popular Places to Check Out

American Basin Trailhead/Handies Peak

Box Canyon Falls and Bridge

Grouse Gulch Trailhead

Sloan Lake

Rio Grande Headwaters

Silverton

Lake Fork Gunnison River & campsite

Eureka

Lower Cascade Falls

Mayflower Mill

Ouray

Cinnamon Pass

American Pass

#1.

Turkey Thief Lake – Sloan Lake loop from Cinnamon Mountain

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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