Cataract Lake

Cataract Lake sits in a rugged alpine basin high in Hinsdale County, reached by the Cataract Gulch Trail outside Lake City. The 9.5-mile round-trip hike gains roughly 2,700 feet of elevation, climbing through dense stands of Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir while following Cataract Creek past a series of cascading waterfalls. The trail breaks into open alpine meadows before arriving at the lake, which occupies a glacially carved cirque ringed by talus slopes and wildflower fields during July and August.

Beavers have established an active colony in and around the lake, and their dams and lodges are visible from the shoreline. Hikers frequently mention spotting them at dawn and dusk. The lake itself holds small cutthroat and brook trout, making it a worthwhile backcountry fishing destination for anglers willing to earn their casts on a steep approach. Fly fishing with small dry flies and nymphs is the standard tactic at this elevation.

The area sits within the Handies Peak Wilderness Study Area, and the remote setting means you are unlikely to encounter crowds, especially on weekdays. Access begins from County Road 30 south of Lake City, the same road that leads to Lake San Cristobal and the Cinnamon Pass route. June through early September offers the most reliable trail conditions, though afternoon thunderstorms are common above treeline from mid-July onward. There are no facilities at the lake and no maintained restrooms along the trail despite humorous claims in visitor reviews. Plan a full day for the hike, bring your own water and supplies, and expect a genuine backcountry experience with rewarding views of the San Juan high country.