Snowmass Lake

Snowmass Lake sits at 10,980 feet in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, a backcountry alpine gem that rewards the 8.3-mile hike in with some of the most dramatic scenery in Colorado. Surrounded by towering peaks and wildflower meadows, this lake has become one of the most photographed overnight camping destinations in the White River National Forest. If you are willing to earn your views with trail miles and elevation gain, Snowmass Lake belongs on your Colorado hiking bucket list.

Most visitors reach Snowmass Lake as part of the famous Four Pass Loop, a 26-mile backpacking circuit that crosses four mountain passes above 12,000 feet. The loop connects Snowmass Lake to Maroon Lake, Geneva Lake, and some of the highest ridgeline trail in the Elk Mountains. Whether you tackle the full loop over three to four days or hike in as an out-and-back from the Snowmass Creek trailhead, the trail passes through aspen groves, alpine meadows, and creek crossings that change character with every season.

Camping at Snowmass Lake is restricted to designated sites, and overnight permits are required through Recreation.gov. Permits go on sale February 15 for trips through July 31, and June 15 for the August through November window. At ten dollars per person per night plus a six-dollar processing fee, demand is high and dates sell out quickly. Bear canisters are mandatory for food storage, and campfires are prohibited above 10,800 feet, which includes the entire lake basin.

Fly fishing at Snowmass Lake attracts anglers willing to carry a rod alongside their backpacking gear. The lake holds a healthy population of cutthroat trout, with brook trout and rainbow trout also present. The cutthroats here have a reputation for size, and the mirror-calm mornings before the wind picks up offer the best window for dry fly presentations. A valid Colorado fishing license is required.

Stargazing at Snowmass Lake is world-class. The remote location and high elevation put you well above light pollution, and clear summer nights reveal the Milky Way in full detail. Morning reflections on the glassy lake surface create the mirror-like conditions that photographers travel here specifically to capture. Wildlife sightings are common along the trail and around the lake basin, with marmots, pikas, and black bears all frequenting the area.

The hiking season at Snowmass Lake typically runs from late June through early October, depending on snowpack. Mosquitoes can be fierce in July and early August but taper off after sundown when temperatures drop. The trail gains roughly 2,900 feet from the Snowmass Creek trailhead, and afternoon thunderstorms are a daily possibility in summer, so plan to reach the lake by early afternoon.