Lost Lake

Lost Lake hides just below the rim of the Grand Mesa in Mesa County, roughly 30 miles east of Grand Junction along Highway 65. This long, narrow alpine lake sits at around 10,100 feet, nestled against a dramatic talus field of dark basalt boulders that gives the shoreline a rugged, otherworldly feel. The water is famous for its striking turquoise-to-emerald color, so clear that visitors report watching fish swim beneath the surface from the trail above. Getting here requires a 2.5-mile hike from the Glacier Springs Picnic Area, gaining about 400 feet in elevation on a well-marked trail that winds through spruce-fir forest and past several smaller Mesa Lakes.

Fishing at Lost Lake targets rainbow trout, brook trout, and cutthroat trout. The fish grow large in these cold, deep waters, but reviewers note they can be difficult to catch. Fly fishing from the few accessible shoreline spots is the most common approach, since the jagged basalt rocks surrounding the lake limit bank access to only one or two entry points. Anglers willing to scramble over boulders are rewarded with less pressured water. The Grand Mesa holds over 300 lakes, so combining a Lost Lake visit with nearby Mesa Lakes or Island Lake makes for a full day of high-country fishing.

Swimming is possible but challenging due to the rocky shoreline and cold water temperatures. Reviewers who braved the swim describe finding limited spots to enter the water safely. The same rock formations that make access tricky also create a sense of seclusion: most visitors report seeing only a handful of other people at the lake. For families, the trail length is manageable with children, though the final approach involves some uneven terrain.

Access requires an $8 cash day-use parking fee at the Glacier Springs area. Restrooms are available at the picnic area, though they may be seasonally closed. Cell service drops out on the drive up Highway 65, so download maps before leaving the valley. The trail is typically accessible from late June through October, with lingering snow drifts blocking the upper sections into early summer. Bring layers even on warm days since the elevation keeps temperatures noticeably cooler than Grand Junction below. The Grand Mesa is the world's largest flat-topped mountain, and Lost Lake delivers one of its most photogenic and uncrowded hiking destinations.