Kroenke Lake

Kroenke Lake is a stunning alpine lake in Chaffee County, tucked beneath towering peaks in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness near the town of Buena Vista. Reaching the lake requires a moderately steep hike of roughly 3 to 4 miles one way, gaining significant elevation through forests and open meadows that explode with wildflowers in July. The effort is well rewarded — Kroenke Lake's crystal-clear water reveals fish swimming below the surface, and a small island sits in the middle of the lake, framed by dramatic mountain ridgelines that make this one of the most photogenic alpine lakes in central Colorado.

Hiking to Kroenke Lake is the main event. The trail climbs steadily through mixed forest with excellent views opening up as you gain elevation. Most hikers report the round trip taking 4 to 5 hours at a moderate pace, with the steeper sections concentrated in the second half of the approach. Wildflower season in July transforms the meadows into carpets of color, and the trail itself is well-maintained and easy to follow. For those wanting more, a trail continues above the lake to an overlook that delivers breathtaking panoramic views of the lake with mountains stacked behind it — an absolute must for photographers.

Backpacking and camping at Kroenke Lake are extremely popular. The lakeshore fills up with tents and hammocks, especially on summer weekends — arriving by 8 AM on a Sunday may already mean sharing the shore with dozens of backpackers. Weekday visits offer dramatically more solitude. The trail around the lake does not form a complete loop; marshy ground and stream crossings on one end require getting your feet wet if you attempt to circle the entire shore. The island in the lake tempts swimmers, though water temperatures at this alpine elevation stay cold even in midsummer.

Fishing at Kroenke Lake benefits from the clear water and visible fish, though the crowds on busy weekends can reduce the experience. Fly fishing along the quieter shoreline sections produces the best results. Mountain lions have been reported in the area, so keeping dogs on leash is both required and strongly recommended for safety. The trail also crosses roads used by vehicles after dark, so hikers descending in the evening should watch their footing carefully. Kroenke Lake is a carry-in, carry-out destination with no developed facilities. The trailhead serves as the staging point for both Kroenke Lake and nearby Birthday Peak, drawing a mix of day hikers, backpackers, and peak baggers throughout the summer season.