Lake Como

Lake Como sits at the base of Hurricane Ridge in San Juan County, deep in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. This stunning alpine lake is known for its impossibly blue water, a color so vivid that first-time visitors often describe it as surreal. Accessible by road, Lake Como offers a rare combination: a high-altitude alpine experience without requiring a grueling backcountry hike to reach it.

The lake's turquoise water draws photographers, day-trippers, and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the warmer months. Visitors frequently stop alongside the road to take in the views, with ample pulloff parking available near the shoreline. On calm days, the lake's surface mirrors the surrounding peaks, creating a postcard-quality scene that has made it one of the most-photographed alpine lakes in the San Juan range. Paddleboarding and kayaking are popular activities here when conditions allow, though the water temperature stays cold year-round at this elevation.

Hikers exploring the area around Lake Como can access trails leading toward Hurricane Ridge and into the surrounding high country. The terrain is rugged and remote, with wildflower meadows blooming in July and August. Fishing is possible, though the cold, deep water limits the catch to a few hardy species. The San Juan Mountains are also known for exceptional bird watching, and the area around the lake attracts species typical of Colorado's alpine and subalpine zones.

Lake Como sits near Silverton, giving visitors easy access to the town's restaurants, shops, and the famous Wiesbaden Hot Springs. The lake is best visited between late June and early October, as snow can close access roads well into spring. Fall brings golden aspens to lower elevations, making a September visit especially scenic. Winter access is extremely limited, and the road is typically impassable without snowmobile or snowcat.

Whether you are passing through on a scenic drive or planning a full day of lakeside exploration, Lake Como delivers one of the most striking alpine settings you can reach by car in Colorado.