Kite Lake sits at approximately 12,000 feet along the Continental Divide in San Juan County, Colorado, deep in the rugged San Juan Mountains near Silverton. This high-alpine lake rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views, backcountry solitude, and access to some of the most dramatic terrain in the state. Getting here takes effort, but every reviewer agrees the payoff is worth the drive.
Reaching Kite Lake requires navigating a long, rough backcountry trail. The road has rocky patches and uneven terrain that demand a capable off-road vehicle. Visitors describe it as bumpy but manageable for experienced off-roaders, and the trail itself has become a draw for ATV and UTV riders who enjoy technical terrain. If you are not comfortable on rough 4WD roads, this lake will be difficult to access. The remoteness is part of the appeal, though, filtering out casual traffic and leaving the lake uncrowded.
Hiking around Kite Lake opens up world-class alpine scenery. One visitor climbed to the summit of Hunchback Mountain at 13,268 feet from the lakeshore, gaining over 1,000 feet of steep elevation along waterfalls with views that few people ever see. The Continental Divide runs right through this area, and the surrounding peaks offer challenging scrambles for experienced hikers who are comfortable at altitude. Even without summiting a peak, the views from the lake itself are stunning, with high ridgelines, alpine tundra, and open sky in every direction.
The area around Kite Lake is popular with off-road enthusiasts who combine trail riding with lake stops. Riders and hikers share the trail network, and the combination of scenic riding and alpine destinations makes this a full-day adventure. Photography is another strong reason to visit, with the high-altitude landscape providing dramatic light and color, especially during summer mornings and late afternoons.
Kite Lake is best suited for visitors who enjoy backcountry exploration and are prepared for high-altitude conditions. Weather can shift quickly above 12,000 feet, and the remote location means you need to be self-sufficient. There are no developed facilities at the lake. For those willing to earn it, Kite Lake delivers one of San Juan County's most rewarding alpine experiences, combining off-road adventure with pristine mountain scenery along the Continental Divide.