Duck Lake sits near the summit of Loveland Pass in Clear Creek County, offering a scenic high-altitude stop along one of Colorado's most dramatic mountain drives. Accessible from a pulloff on the pass road, this alpine lake provides a quick taste of above-treeline scenery without requiring a lengthy hike, making it one of the more accessible high-country lakes on the Front Range.
The drive to Duck Lake is half the experience. The road up Loveland Pass climbs through tight switchbacks with expanding views of the Continental Divide, and visitors consistently describe the scenery as stunning. Pulling off near the summit puts you within a short trek of the lake itself, though the walk does involve uneven terrain at high elevation. The effort is modest compared to most alpine lake approaches in Colorado, but the altitude alone can challenge those who are not acclimated. Take your time on the walk in, especially if arriving from lower elevations.
Wildlife encounters add to the appeal of the Duck Lake area. Visitors report mule deer appearing from the roadside brush, and the alpine tundra surrounding the lake supports the kind of high-altitude species — marmots, pika, mountain goats — that draw wildlife watchers to Colorado's passes. The open terrain above treeline provides excellent visibility for spotting animals, particularly during early morning and late afternoon hours.
Duck Lake works best as a stop on a larger Loveland Pass outing rather than a standalone destination. The area lacks formal facilities, trails, or services, so visitors should arrive self-sufficient with water, snacks, and layers. Weather at pass elevation changes with little warning, and afternoon thunderstorms roll in frequently during summer months. Starting early and being off exposed terrain by midday is standard practice at this altitude.
For photographers, Duck Lake and the surrounding pass terrain deliver strong results across all seasons. Summer brings wildflowers and deep blue water against rocky peaks. Autumn turns the lower slopes gold while the upper reaches take on an austere alpine quality. Winter buries the area in snow but the pass road remains open, creating opportunities for snow-covered landscape shots that feel far more remote than an hour's drive from Denver would suggest. Duck Lake is a place to pause, take in the scale of the Colorado high country, and appreciate how quickly the landscape transforms above 11,000 feet.