Colorado

Located deep in the San Juan Mountains, Lake City, CO was incorporated as a mining town in 1873. After experiencing a short-lived boom, the mining era of the area ended in the early 20th century, kicking-off a period of economic decline until tourism brought more visitors and their money to the town. Lake City is gateway to some of the most spectacular wilderness areas in Colorado, including the Uncompahgre Wilderness to the east and Weminuche Wilderness to the south, with many of Colorado's 14er peaks nearby. Closer in, a number of trails originate from or the near the town itself, including the Waterdog Lake Trail, Alpine Gulch Trail and the Larson Lakes and Crystal Lake Trails that provide access to the nearby Uncompahgre Wilderness.

When Open? Area Acres Operated By
Year-round; 24 hours a day 32,375 acres US Forest Service:
Gunnison Ranger District

Bureau of Land Management:
Gunnison Field Office
Dogs Allowed? Miles of Trail Max/Min Elev (ft)
Dogs allowed - must be on leash in developed areas 54 8,400ft - 12,800ft

Lake City Area Hiking Trail and Map Finder

Area Hiking Trails:
1 - Alpine Gulch Trail - NOTFINISHED
2 - Brush Creek Trail #7457 - MOTORIZED
3 - Calf Creek Plateau Trail #7458 - MOTORIZED
4 - Cannibal Plateau Trail #7464 - MOTORIZED
5 - Crystal Lake Access Trail
Area Hiking Trails:
1 - Alpine Gulch Trail - NOTFINISHED
2 - Brush Creek Trail #7457 - MOTORIZED
3 - Calf Creek Plateau Trail #7458 - MOTORIZED
4 - Cannibal Plateau Trail #7464 - MOTORIZED
5 - Crystal Lake Access Trail
6 - Crystal Lake Trail #7235
7 - Deer Lakes Trail
8 - Hay Lake Spur Trail
9 - Independence Bypass Trail #9234.1A
10 - Independence Gulch Trail #7234
11 - Larsen Lakes Cutoff #9236.3A
12 - Larsen Lakes Trail #7236
13 - Spur Trail
14 - Thompson Lake Trail
15 - Waterdog Lake Trail
Area Trailheads:
1 - Alpine Gulch Trailhead
2 - Calf Creek Plateau Trail #7458 - MOTORIZED
3 - Cannibal Plateau Trail #7464 - MOTORIZED
4 - Crystal Lake Trail #7235
5 - Independence Gulch Trail #7234
6 - Waterdog Lake Trail
Area Campgrounds:
1 - Deer Lakes Campground - Gunnison Rd