Regan Lake

Regan Lake is a backcountry gem in Hinsdale County, roughly 32 miles from Telluride and accessible from the Lake City area via rough, high-elevation forest roads. At around 74 surface acres, this alpine lake delivers the kind of solitude that Front Range waters simply cannot match. Getting there is half the adventure: the road is narrow, rocky, and washed out in sections, so four-wheel drive or a high-clearance vehicle is essential. Many visitors bring side-by-sides or ATVs for the final stretch.

Fishing is the primary reason people make the trek to Regan Lake. The water holds healthy populations of brook trout and cutthroat trout, and anglers who put in the effort to reach the shoreline consistently report excellent catch rates. Reviewers describe pulling in big, healthy rainbows and brookies on both bait and lures. Several pulloffs along the road allow anglers to access different stretches of shoreline, so you can spread out and find your own pocket of water without competing for space. Fly fishing is productive throughout the summer months when insect hatches bring trout to the surface.

Dispersed camping is available in the surrounding Rio Grande National Forest, and many visitors combine a fishing trip with an overnight stay under the stars. The scenery along the drive and around the lake is stunning, with dense spruce and fir forests, wildflower meadows, and rugged peaks framing the water. Be aware that beetle-kill timber is widespread in the area, and fire danger can run high during dry summers. Pack out everything you bring in, and check current fire restrictions before building a campfire.

Bugs can be fierce at this elevation during early summer. Bring strong insect repellent and head nets if you plan to fish or camp between late May and mid-July. Cell service is nonexistent at the lake, so download maps and leave a trip plan with someone before heading out. For nearby alternatives with easier access, Continental Reservoir and Lake San Cristobal are both within a reasonable drive from Lake City.