Waterdog Lakes

Waterdog Lakes are a pair of alpine lakes perched above 11,000 feet in Chaffee County, sitting beneath the Continental Divide near Monarch Pass. Named for the Tiger Salamander — locally called a "waterdog" — that inhabits a handful of high-altitude lakes in Colorado, these lakes reward hikers with big views, genuine solitude, and a trail short enough to fit into an afternoon. If you are passing through the Salida or Monarch Pass area and want a mountain hike that punches above its weight, Waterdog Lakes should be at the top of your list.

The trail starts at roughly 10,000 feet along a well-marked pullout off the road and climbs steadily through dense alpine forest, crossing Waterdog Creek twice before emerging at the lower lake after about 1.6 miles. The elevation gain is approximately 1,000 feet over that distance, and the terrain is steep and rocky in places, putting the trail solidly in the moderate category. Good hiking shoes with ankle support are recommended, especially on the upper sections where loose rock and sandy switchbacks demand careful footing.

The lower lake is the larger and more accessible of the two, with shoreline access for fishing and a clear view back down the valley. To reach the upper lake, continue south around the lower lake and follow an unmarked but findable path west. The upper lake sits in a tighter cirque backed by a steep mountain face that drops straight from the Continental Divide. Getting down to the water's edge at the upper lake is tricky due to a steep drop-off, but the view from the rim is worth the extra effort.

Fishing at both lakes targets small trout, and the remote setting means you are unlikely to share the water with many other anglers. A Colorado fishing license is required. The trail is also popular with backpackers who set up camp near the lower lake for an overnight stay under some of the darkest skies in central Colorado.

The trailhead is easily accessible from the road, with a small pullout area for parking. No restrooms or facilities are available at the trailhead. Mosquitoes and biting insects can be fierce near the lakes in June and early July, so bring bug spray. Snow may linger on the upper trail into mid-June, and the steep terrain can be slippery when wet.

Waterdog Lakes sit in a transitional zone between the Arkansas River Valley and the high peaks along the Divide. The hike is short enough for families with older children or fit beginners, but the sustained grade and rocky footing add enough challenge to keep experienced hikers engaged. Late summer and early fall deliver the best conditions, with wildflowers along the lower trail and golden aspens framing the approach in September.