Wheeler Lake

Wheeler Lake sits at 12,194 feet in the Mosquito Range of Park County, and getting there is half the adventure. Whether you hike the 3.5-mile trail from Montgomery Reservoir or drive a modified 4x4 up the boulder-strewn OHV route, arriving at this remote alpine lake feels like earning something. The turquoise water, ringed by barren tundra slopes and the towering Decalibron peaks, delivers a payoff that matches the effort.

The lake occupies a high cirque in Pike National Forest, roughly halfway between Alma and Breckenridge along State Highway 9. The trailhead starts near the Montgomery Reservoir, where the remnants of the old Montgomery ghost town and its mining ruins add a layer of Colorado mining history to the approach. Seasonal wildflowers blanket the lower meadows in July and August, and small waterfalls cascade along the route where snowmelt feeds the creek.

Hiking to Wheeler Lake covers about 7 miles round trip with approximately 1,300 feet of elevation gain. The trail follows a wide, rocky old mining road that climbs steadily through the first couple of miles before steepening significantly in the final half-mile push to the lake. The altitude above 12,000 feet makes this hike genuinely challenging, especially for visitors who have not acclimatized. The trail is shared with OHV traffic, including modified Jeeps and ATVs, though encounters tend to be infrequent and drivers are generally courteous.

For off-road enthusiasts, the Wheeler Lake trail is one of Colorado's more demanding OHV routes. Large boulder obstacles, tight brushy sections, and multiple water crossings require a capable vehicle with proper modifications. The trail has a reputation for testing both driver skill and vehicle durability. If your rig can handle Wheeler Lake, it can handle most of what Colorado's backcountry throws at it.

Fishing at Wheeler Lake targets native brook trout in a high-alpine setting with very little pressure. A valid Colorado fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. The lake is small enough that a few casts from shore can cover the productive water, and the fish, while not large, are willing biters in this remote environment.

Winter transforms Wheeler Lake into a snowshoeing and backcountry ski destination. The trail sees far less traffic once snow closes the road, and the silence of a winter approach through the frozen Mosquito Range is a stark contrast to the summertime OHV activity.

The views from Wheeler Lake include three of the four peaks on the famous Decalibron loop — Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln, and Bross — making this a natural side trip or alternative destination for fourteener hikers looking for a less crowded mountain experience. The mining ruins scattered along the trail, the alpine wildflower displays, and the stark beauty of the lake itself combine to make Wheeler Lake one of Park County's most rewarding backcountry destinations.