Little Molas Lake sits at nearly 11,000 feet elevation in the San Juan Mountains of San Juan County, just a few minutes north of Silverton along the Million Dollar Highway. This small alpine lake reflects surrounding peaks and aspen groves in its still water, and visitors who have traveled extensively rank it among the most beautiful places they have seen anywhere. The Colorado Trail passes directly through the area, making it a natural base camp for hikers exploring one of Colorado's most dramatic mountain ranges.
Fishing at Little Molas Lake offers a scenic if sometimes frustrating experience. Fish are visible in the clear, shallow water close to shore, but reviewers report they can be extremely reluctant to bite. Fly fishing produces results for patient anglers, and the lake holds enough fish to keep dedicated visitors coming back. The shoreline is boggy in places, so rubber boots help when fishing the edges. The lake is small enough that shore fishing covers most of the water, and the setting among peaks and wildflowers makes even a slow fishing day worthwhile.
Kayaking and paddleboarding on Little Molas Lake provide a quiet flatwater experience in an alpine setting that few Colorado lakes can match. The lake is small, so a paddle takes you across quickly, but the mountain reflections on calm mornings create postcard conditions. Several put-in points are accessible from the day-use parking area, and the calm water suits all paddling skill levels.
Camping at Little Molas Lake is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis with roughly ten sites available. There are no hookups, no running water, and no electricity, so come prepared to be fully self-sufficient. Vault toilets are located near the trailhead parking lot, though cleanliness varies. Most tent sites are spread apart and nestled among trees for reasonable privacy, though sites along the access road can feel close together. The campground fills quickly, often by early afternoon on summer weekends and sometimes even midweek in September. Sites along the forest service road before the main campground offer additional options with more seclusion.
Hiking from Little Molas Lake connects directly to the Colorado Trail, with options ranging from casual lakeside walks to ambitious high-altitude treks. Camp hosts have recommended a five-mile hike to a mountain overlook of the Animas River Valley with a waterfall along the route. Deer and other wildlife sightings are common around camp. Biking trails in the surrounding area add another activity layer for visitors with mountain bikes.
The access road to Little Molas Lake is rough, with deep ruts and potholes that challenge sedans and make the drive inadvisable for large RVs. Vehicles with higher clearance handle it more comfortably. At nearly 11,000 feet, altitude sickness is a real concern for visitors arriving from lower elevations, so take it easy the first day. Temperatures drop sharply at night even in August, and rain can roll in without warning, making a rain jacket essential gear. Silverton sits just down the road for supplies, though grocery prices run roughly triple the normal rate, so stock up in Durango before heading into the mountains. Bug spray is a must during July, and the stargazing at this elevation with minimal light pollution makes the nighttime sky a highlight all on its own.