Woods Lake

Woods Lake rests at 9,400 feet in the San Juan Mountains of San Miguel County, a small alpine lake circled by aspen groves and overlooked by the Wilson Group, three fourteeners that dominate the skyline south of Telluride. The gravel road from Highway 145 winds through tight switchbacks and washboard stretches that filter out the casual traffic, leaving a lake that feels secluded even in peak summer. If you want a San Juan Mountain experience without the Telluride price tag and parking hassle, Woods Lake is the quiet alternative.

A foot trail loops the entire perimeter of Woods Lake, making for an easy and scenic walk through meadows and mixed conifer forest. From almost any point on the trail you can look up at the craggy ridgelines of Mount Wilson, Wilson Peak, and El Diente Peak. Trailheads near the lake connect to longer routes that climb toward the base of these peaks, drawing hikers and peak-baggers through the summer and early fall. The Woods Lake to Navajo Lake trail earns consistent praise for its wildflower displays and aspen-framed views.

Fishing at Woods Lake targets trout in cold, clear water. Cutthroat trout and brook trout inhabit the lake, and shore fishing is accessible from several points along the perimeter trail. Paddleboarders and kayakers share the water on calm days, though weedy patches in parts of the lake can slow paddling. Life jackets are mandatory for anyone going out on the water. The lake's small size keeps things intimate, and midweek visits often mean you have the shoreline to yourself.

Woods Lake Campground sits a short walk from the water and operates on a first-come, first-served basis under the Uncompahgre National Forest. Sites come with picnic tables and fire rings, and vault toilets are available. There is no potable water, electrical hookups, showers, or dump station, so come prepared for a self-sufficient stay. The campground fills on summer weekends, but midweek arrivals usually find open sites. Visitors have chosen this lake for everything from family camping trips to weddings, drawn by the mountain backdrop and the relative quiet.

Wildlife moves freely around Woods Lake. Deer, elk, moose, and black bears are all spotted regularly, so keep food secured and dogs leashed. The surrounding forest and wetlands also make the lake a productive birding destination, recognized on the Colorado Birding Trail. Fall colors peak in late September, when the aspen stands around the lake and along Fall Creek Road turn bright gold against the dark spruce.

Woods Lake sits about 30 minutes from Telluride via Highway 145 and Fall Creek Road. No entry fee or vehicle pass is required. The gravel road is passable by most vehicles in dry conditions, though higher clearance handles the washboard sections more comfortably. The season runs from late May through October, weather permitting.