Lake Dorothey

Lake Dorothey sits tucked into the mountains of southern Las Animas County, near the Colorado-New Mexico border, offering a peaceful backcountry fishing and hiking experience. Reaching the lake requires a half-mile trail through scenic terrain, rewarding visitors with clear water surrounded by rugged peaks and quiet pine forest. The lake operates under strict artificial-only fishing regulations — flies and lures only, no bait — which helps sustain a healthy population of trout in its cold, high-elevation waters.

Reviewers consistently praise Lake Dorothey for its serene atmosphere and the quality of the trail leading in. The short but rewarding hike filters out crowds, keeping the shoreline uncrowded even during peak summer weekends. Anglers who make the trek report good fishing conditions, and the catch-and-release ethic among visitors helps maintain the fishery.

Lake Dorothey is a pack-in, pack-out destination with no developed facilities at the lake itself. Visitors should bring everything they need, including water, food, and waste bags. The surrounding landscape straddles the Colorado-New Mexico border, and visitors should carry valid fishing licenses for whichever state they fish in, as regulations differ on each side.

The area around Lake Dorothey is part of a broader network of public lands that offer additional hiking, wildlife viewing, and backcountry exploration. Fall brings golden aspens and bugling elk, while summer provides wildflower meadows and long daylight hours for fishing. Winter access may be limited by snow, so plan trips between late spring and early fall for the best conditions.

With a 4.9-star rating from visitors who have made the journey, Lake Dorothey stands out as one of the hidden gems in Colorado's southern mountains — a place where solitude, natural beauty, and quality trout fishing come together in a single half-mile walk from the trailhead.