Spectacle Lake is a small, two-acre alpine lake nestled in the Rio Grande National Forest in Conejos County, Colorado. Sitting along the scenic Conejos River corridor, this pocket-sized lake punches well above its weight as a family-friendly fishing destination. Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocks it annually with trout, and the compact shoreline means anglers of all ages can find a productive spot without hiking far from the car. If you are exploring the Conejos River Valley, Spectacle Lake is one of the most accessible and rewarding stops along Forest Road 250.
Fishing is the primary reason visitors come to Spectacle Lake. Rainbow trout and brown trout make up the bulk of the catch, with brook trout and cutthroat trout rounding out the species list. The stocked fish respond well to flies, lures, and bait that mimic natural prey, and early morning and late afternoon produce the best action. Reviewers call it a great place to fish and note its convenience for families, since the shoreline is easy to reach and the campground sits directly across the road. Winter visitors can try ice fishing when the lake freezes over, adding a cold-weather dimension that many nearby waters lack. No boating of any kind is permitted on Spectacle Lake, keeping the water calm and the atmosphere peaceful.
Spectacle Lake Campground, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, is located immediately across the road and provides vault toilets, fire rings, and developed campsites beneath the conifers. Several hiking trails depart from the area, including Spectacle Lake Trail 730, Ruybalid Trail 855, and Notch Trail 729, offering day-hike options that range from easy forest walks to longer ridge routes. Bird watching is excellent in the surrounding meadows and old-growth forest.
Visitors describe Spectacle Lake as serene and picturesque, and the reviews back that up. The combination of reliable trout fishing, a well-maintained Forest Service campground, and multiple hiking trails makes this a standout destination in the Conejos River Valley. Summer months from June through August offer the best weather and peak fishing, but the lake's year-round access gives ice anglers a reason to return in winter.