Dinkle Lake

Dinkle Lake is a small but charming alpine reservoir tucked at the base of Mount Sopris in the White River National Forest, just south of Carbondale in Pitkin County. Also known as Lake Ann Reservoir, this five-acre manmade lake sits at 8,510 feet elevation and draws visitors who want a peaceful mountain escape without the crowds that gather at more well-known Roaring Fork Valley destinations. Whether you are casting a line for trout or floating on calm water with Sopris towering above, Dinkle Lake delivers a genuine Colorado high-country experience.

Fishing is the main attraction at Dinkle Lake. The reservoir holds rainbow trout and cutthroat trout, and anglers can fish from shore or from small non-motorized watercraft. Fly fishing and spin casting both produce results here, especially in the early morning and late afternoon when trout feed actively near the surface. A valid Colorado fishing license is required. The lake is stocked periodically, and the relatively low fishing pressure compared to nearby Ruedi Reservoir means you can often find a quiet spot along the bank.

The U.S. Forest Service maintains the Dinkle Lake Picnic Site with picnic tables and a vault toilet, making it a comfortable spot for a half-day outing with family. Paddleboarders and kayakers enjoy the calm, protected water on summer afternoons. The lake sits near the Sopris Trailhead, connecting hikers to trails leading up Mount Sopris and into the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.

Access to Dinkle Lake requires a high-clearance vehicle. The road from the Carbondale side via Prince Creek Road is rough and rutted, though Subarus and pickups handle it regularly. The road from the east side near Basalt and El Jebel is mostly paved and generally easier. The lake is typically accessible from late spring through early fall, with snow and mud closing the road during winter and early spring.

Dinkle Lake is surrounded by thick forest, seasonal wildflowers, and open meadows grazed by cattle. Visitors have reported finding small shells and interesting geological features along the shoreline. The area borders private ranch land in places, so stay on marked public land. No designated campsites exist at the lake itself, but dispersed camping is permitted on nearby BLM and National Forest land along Prince Creek Road.