Ivanhoe Lake is a remote and strikingly beautiful alpine lake tucked into the mountains of Pitkin County near the Continental Divide, south of Eagle and west of Leadville. Sitting at approximately 10,800 feet, the lake occupies a broad, marshy basin that gives the landscape an almost otherworldly quality — visitors frequently compare the rolling wetlands and muted greens to the Scottish Highlands. This is not a drive-up destination; reaching Ivanhoe Lake requires either a hike along the historic railroad grade or a high-clearance vehicle approach, which keeps crowds thin and the setting wonderfully wild.
The most common approach to Ivanhoe Lake follows the old Colorado Midland Railway grade, a historic rail line that once crossed the Continental Divide through the Hagerman Tunnel. The trail passes through dense forest, open meadows, and alongside remnants of Colorado's railroad history before arriving at the lake. The hike is moderate in difficulty, with steady but manageable grades typical of old railroad beds. Depending on the starting point, the round trip covers roughly 6 to 10 miles. The trail is also popular with mountain bikers and occasionally horseback riders during summer months.
Ivanhoe Lake itself is shallow and marshy around the edges, with clear water at the center reflecting the surrounding peaks and sky. An old cabin sits near the lakeshore, adding a rustic, photogenic element that draws photographers and history enthusiasts. The cabin and the broader landscape together make this one of the more memorable and picturesque alpine lake settings in Colorado. Wildflowers carpet the meadows around the lake from late June through August, and the fall brings golden aspens to the lower sections of the approach trail.
Fishing is possible at Ivanhoe Lake, with small brook trout and cutthroat trout reported by anglers who make the trek. The lake does not see heavy fishing pressure due to its remoteness, so catch rates can be surprisingly good for patient fly fishers. There is no stocking program, so fish populations rely on natural reproduction.
There are no developed facilities at Ivanhoe Lake — no restrooms, no trash cans, no picnic tables. This is a true backcountry destination that requires hikers to pack in everything they need and pack out all waste. Backcountry camping is possible near the lake, but campers should practice strict leave-no-trace principles and be prepared for rapid weather changes at elevation. Afternoon thunderstorms are a regular occurrence in summer, and the open basin offers no shelter from lightning. Start your hike early and plan to be heading back down before early afternoon.