Fancy Lake

Fancy Lake is a high-altitude backcountry lake in Eagle County, tucked into the Holy Cross Wilderness south of Minturn and west of Vail. The lake sits at the head of Fancy Creek drainage and serves as a popular waypoint on the Fancy Pass and Missouri Lakes loop, one of the most rewarding day hikes and overnight backpacking routes in the central Colorado Rockies. Reaching the lake requires a moderately strenuous hike that gains significant elevation in a short distance, but the payoff — a clear alpine lake surrounded by rocky peaks and wildflower meadows — makes the effort worthwhile.

The trail to Fancy Lake starts at the Fancy Lake/Creek trailhead, which shares a parking area with the Missouri Lakes trailhead off Highway 24 south of Minturn. From the trailhead, the path climbs steadily through spruce-fir forest before opening into the upper basin where the lake sits. The hike is relatively short in distance but the grade is steady, so plan for a slower pace than the mileage alone would suggest. Many hikers continue past the lake and up to Fancy Pass, then descend through the Missouri Lakes basin to complete a scenic loop back to the trailheads — a full-day outing that covers some of the finest alpine scenery in Eagle County.

Fishing at Fancy Lake can be productive for those willing to pack in lightweight gear. The lake holds trout that see less pressure than lower-elevation waters, and a few casts from the shoreline during morning or evening hours can yield results. A valid Colorado fishing license is required. Because the lake sits within designated wilderness, motorized boats and mechanized equipment are not allowed.

Backpackers will find established campsites around Fancy Lake, making it a solid base camp for exploring the broader area. Campfires are permanently prohibited in the Fancy Lake drainage, so bring a backpacking stove for cooking. From the lake, a short one-mile hike leads to Holy Cross City, a well-preserved mining ghost town that adds a historical dimension to any overnight trip. Bighorn sheep inhabit the upper slopes around the lake and Fancy Pass, though sightings are not guaranteed.

Fancy Lake and the surrounding trail network see heavy use on summer weekends, especially in late July and August when wildflowers peak. If solitude is a priority, consider midweek visits or explore the less-traveled Cross Creek drainage, which branches off the main loop trail. Late August through mid-September offers cooler temperatures, thinner crowds, and the first hints of fall color in the high country. Snow closes the passes by mid-October in most years, and the trail is typically snow-free again by early July.