Dumont Lake is a high-country gem in Grand County, Colorado, nestled in the Routt National Forest south of Rabbit Ears Pass along Highway 40. With a near-perfect 4.9-star rating from visitors, this alpine lake consistently earns praise for its striking scenery, refreshing water, and the kind of quiet beauty that keeps people coming back season after season.
The lake sits at approximately 9,500 feet in elevation, surrounded by dense spruce-fir forest and open subalpine meadows that erupt with wildflowers in July and August. Views stretch across rolling mountain terrain, and the setting feels remote even though Highway 40 runs nearby. Visitors frequently describe Dumont Lake as magical and gorgeous, a place where the combination of clear mountain water, towering conifers, and big Colorado sky creates an atmosphere that is hard to beat.
Swimming is popular here during the warmer months, and the water temperature can be surprisingly comfortable by midsummer standards. That said, be aware that leeches have been reported in the lake, so swimmers should check themselves after getting out. The leeches are a nuisance rather than a danger, but they catch first-time visitors off guard.
Fishing at Dumont Lake targets brook trout and cutthroat trout, both of which are stocked periodically by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The shoreline offers decent bank-fishing access, and small non-motorized watercraft like canoes and kayaks work well for reaching deeper pockets. A valid Colorado fishing license is required, and standard CPW regulations apply.
Dumont Lake Campground, operated by the U.S. Forest Service, sits right on the shore and provides vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and designated campsites. The campground fills up on summer weekends, so arriving early or midweek improves your chances. Trails in the area connect to the broader Routt National Forest trail system, offering hiking and mountain biking options for those who want to explore beyond the lakeshore.
The lake is an easy side trip for travelers crossing Rabbit Ears Pass between Steamboat Springs and Kremmling, making it a natural stop for road-trippers exploring northwest Colorado. Whether you are camping overnight, cooling off on a hot afternoon, or casting for trout at dawn, Dumont Lake delivers a high-alpine experience without a grueling backcountry approach.