Navajo Lake sits tucked beneath Boskoff Peak in the remote backcountry of Dolores County, where towering alpine ridges ring a pristine basin that most Colorado visitors will never see. If you want a high-country lake experience without the weekend crowds common at Front Range destinations, the steep hike to Navajo Lake rewards you with solitude, clear water, and some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in southwestern Colorado.
Reaching Navajo Lake requires a committed approach. The trail climbs steeply through dense forest before breaking near treeline, where the final push delivers panoramic views of the surrounding San Juan Mountain peaks. Expect roughly half a day for the round trip, and plan for rapidly changing weather at elevation. Hikers who have made the trek describe the route as challenging but well worth the effort, with mud and afternoon thunderstorms common from late June through August. Rain gear and sturdy boots should be considered non-negotiable.
Once at the lake, several established backcountry campsites offer places to set up a tent and spend a night or two under some of the darkest skies in the state. Anglers will find opportunities to cast for trout in cold, clear water, and the lack of crowds means you can often fish an entire shoreline without seeing another person. Fly fishing works well here during the short summer window, though ice can linger on the surface into late June.
Bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts should keep their eyes open for marmots, pikas, and raptors riding thermals above the ridgeline. The surrounding alpine meadows burst with wildflowers through July and early August, making this a worthwhile destination for photographers and nature lovers as well.
Navajo Lake is best visited between late June and early October. Snow typically closes access by mid-autumn, and early-season visitors should be prepared for lingering snowpack on the upper trail. Water and supplies must be packed in, as there are no developed facilities at the lake. For hikers and campers seeking a genuine wilderness experience in Colorado's San Juan region, Navajo Lake delivers the kind of quiet alpine beauty that keeps people coming back year after year.