Kroenke Lake Trail Collegiate Peaks is a premier hiking destination in Buena Vista, Colorado, covering 9.5 miles with 2600ft of elevation gain. Stats: 9.5 miles, 2600ft gain, Hard. Type: Out-and-Back. Surface: Dirt/Rock. Time: 6-7 hours. Fee: Free (wilderness permit). Dogs: Yes. Permit: No. Wildlife: elk, mule deer, black bears, marmots, pikas, golden eagles. Best seasons: July through mid-September for clear alpine conditions; the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness is less crowded than RMNP. Kroenke Lake sits in a stunning glacial cirque beneath the Harvard-Columbia-Oxford ridge of the Collegiate Peaks — three 14,000-foot summits named for Ivy League universities. The trail delivers one of the finest high-altitude lake settings in central Colorado. Pack plenty of water — desert and high-altitude trails demand more hydration than you expect. Layers are essential above 10,000 feet. Leave No Trace: stay on designated trails, pack out all waste, and respect wildlife and other visitors.