Turkey Thief Lake – Sloan Lake loop from Animas Forks Camp

Running trails & routes

United States

Colorado

San Juan County

Turkey Thief Lake – Sloan Lake loop from Animas Forks Camp

Hard

4.7

(1352)

15,244

runners

Turkey Thief Lake – Sloan Lake loop from Animas Forks Camp

03:02

17.3km

1,310m

Running

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: September 10, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Handies Peak Wilderness Study Area

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

2.77 km

Hardrock 100 Route

Highlight • Trail

This section between Grouse Gulch and Handies Peak is part of the Hardrock 100 Route, a challenging mountain race that leads into some of the most stunning mountain areas in …

Tip by

3.84 km

Turkey Thief Lake

Highlight • Lake

Turkey Thief Lake is a beautiful small alpine lake nestled at the foot of Handies Peak, Jones Mountain and American Peak. A great spot to take a break and enjoy the scenery.

Tip by

4.57 km

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.

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6.74 km

Sloan Lake

Highlight • Lake

Sloan Lake is nestled into a small basin and accessible via a short side trail. There are some nice flat spots if you want to spend the night in this …

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8.56 km

Handies Peak

Highlight • Summit

With an elevation of 14,058 feet, Handies Peak is one of the Colorado 14,000ers. You can access the summit either from the American Basin, passing beautiful Sloan Lake or via …

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17.3 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

14.6 km

2.11 km

599 m

Surfaces

14.6 km

2.71 km