Trail Lake is a high-elevation alpine lake in Conejos County that earns its remarkable 4.9-star rating through a combination of jaw-dropping scenery and genuine backcountry solitude. Reached via a three-mile trail that climbs steadily through the southern San Juan Mountains, this lake sits near the Continental Divide and rewards hikers with views that visitors repeatedly describe as among the most beautiful places on the planet. If you are looking for a Colorado lake experience that feels truly wild and uncrowded, Trail Lake delivers.
The hike to Trail Lake covers three miles each way with roughly 95 percent of the elevation gain on the way in. While the climb is sustained, hikers describe it as long rather than technical, and the return trip is noticeably easier. The trail is well-defined and manageable for fit hikers and determined families, though the steady uphill requires reasonable fitness and preparation for high altitude. Expect to have the trail largely to yourself, even during peak summer months. One visitor reported being completely alone on the trail in August.
Trail Lake connects to a broader network of trails that makes it a gateway to longer backcountry adventures. The Red Lake Trail Cutoff links to the Continental Divide Trail, where you can head north toward Wolf Creek Pass or south toward Flat Mountain Trail. The Rio de los Pinos Trail also intersects the system before reaching the CDT. Ambitious hikers have extended trips west from the lake to reach the Continental Divide and views of the Rio Chama river basin, including an impressive 800-foot waterfall on the east fork of the Rio Chama, though these extended routes can push to 16 miles or more.
Wildlife is present in the area, and visitors have encountered black bears along the trail. Making noise while hiking and storing food properly are standard precautions in this part of the San Juans. The terrain around the lake is exposed enough that thunderstorms with lightning are a real concern during summer afternoons. Start your hike early in the morning to reach the lake before storms typically develop.
Trail Lake has no developed facilities, so bring everything you need including water, food, and layers for changing mountain weather. The lake is best visited from July through September when the trail is clear of snow. For hikers seeking a stunning alpine lake without the crowds found at more accessible Colorado destinations, Trail Lake is one of the finest options in the state.