Lake of the Clouds

Lake of the Clouds is a high alpine lake system in Custer County, set within a dramatic natural bowl amphitheater in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This collection of upper, middle, and lower lakes sits at the head of a remote drainage that draws experienced hikers and anglers willing to earn their views. The roughly 10-mile round trip hike to reach the lakes is challenging but consistently rated as one of the most rewarding alpine treks in southern Colorado.

The setting is genuinely spectacular — a glacially carved amphitheater with multiple lakes arranged in a natural bowl surrounded by high peaks. The upper and middle lakes are connected by a small stream that provides surprisingly fun fishing for those who bring a rod along. Trout inhabit these high-altitude waters, and working the stream between the lakes is a highlight that many hikers do not expect. The lakes themselves vary in size and depth depending on snowpack and seasonal conditions; some visitors have noted that water levels can drop significantly in drier years, with the lower lake becoming shallower and smaller.

One advantage Lake of the Clouds holds over many Sangre de Cristo destinations is its early-season accessibility. The snow melts from this drainage earlier than most other drainages in the range, making it a prime choice for hikers looking to get into the alpine as soon as the season opens. The trail can be completed in sneakers when conditions are dry, though sturdy hiking boots are always the safer choice on a 10-mile mountain hike. The trailhead is accessible from the Westcliffe side of the Sangre de Cristos in Custer County.

Weather at this elevation changes rapidly and unpredictably. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, and temperatures can drop sharply even on warm days. Bring layers, rain gear, and start early to maximize your time at the lakes before afternoon weather moves in. There are no facilities, water sources you can trust without filtering, or cell service. Pack a lunch — visitors say everything tastes better sitting beside these lakes with the amphitheater walls rising around you. Lake of the Clouds rewards strong hikers with one of Colorado's most dramatic alpine settings, solitude that is increasingly rare, and the quiet satisfaction of reaching a place most people will never see.