Black Lake

Black Lake sits at roughly 10,500 feet near the top of Vail Pass in Eagle County, tucked right alongside Interstate 70 where most drivers never think to stop. Pull over, though, and you will find a surprisingly peaceful high-alpine reservoir framed by dark spruce forest and the rugged Gore Range skyline. Managed by the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District in partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the lake has welcomed anglers and sightseers since a dam was first built here in 1939.

Fishing is the main draw at Black Lake. Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocks the reservoir twice each year with catchable rainbow trout ranging from 9 to 16 inches, so even first-timers stand a fair chance of landing a fish from shore. About two-thirds of each stocking goes into the larger Black Lake No. 1, with the remainder dropped into Black Lake No. 2. A valid Colorado fishing license is required, and standard statewide bag and possession limits apply. Crystal-clear water makes sight-fishing possible on calm mornings, though it also means trout can be line-shy on bright afternoons.

Beyond fishing, visitors enjoy short walks along the lakeshore and casual picnicking on the grassy banks. Winter transforms the area into a snowmobile-friendly zone, and the frozen lake and surrounding meadows attract snowshoers looking for a quick alpine outing without a long approach. Because the lake sits right off the interstate, access could hardly be easier: park near the Vail Pass rest area, walk a few minutes, and you are standing at the water's edge.

Black Lake is not a wilderness destination with backcountry trails and designated campsites. It is, instead, a convenient roadside stop where families can stretch their legs, anglers can wet a line, and photographers can frame the high-country scenery that Eagle County is known for. If you are driving between Denver and Vail and want a break that actually feels like Colorado, Black Lake delivers without asking much in return.