Lake City, Colorado Information
Location: Southwest Colorado
On CO-149, 55 miles southwest of Gunnison and 119 miles northwest of Alamosa.
Introduction
Lake City (8,663-ft.) is a remote little Victorian town situated at the confluence of the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River and Henson Creek and surrounded by the Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests and the Gunnison BLM district. The town is located along CO-149, 55 miles south of Gunnison and 74 miles north of South Fork.
With close to one thousand square miles of public land nearby there is no shortage of excellent hiking opportunities. Trails climb the area’s five 14,000-ft. peaks, wander through wildflower-filled meadows and traverse vast expanses of alpine tundra. Since this remote corner of the state is still relatively unknown hikers can enjoy a degree of solitude not possible in other areas of the state.
Around Town
In the late 1800’s Lake City served as a supply hub and smelting center for miners in the nearby San Juan Mountains. In its heyday the town saw the construction of more than 500 structures. Mining activity and the population of the town and Hinsdale County peaked around 1900. Over the next century mining activity waned and the town went through a period of decline.
Today the charming Victorian town, a designated national historic district, is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts exploring the area’s stunning mountain terrain. Over 200 of Lake City’s original Victorian structures, including commercial buildings, churches, homes, cabins and public buildings, still stand, many restored to their former glory.
Highly recommended is an evening stroll along the town’s wooden sidewalks and backstreets to see the restored structures from the 1870’s and 1880’s. Also of interested are the nicely preserved circa 1930-1950 motor court cabins. Pamphlets mapping a self-guided tour of the historic district are available at the Hinsdale County Museum at the corner of Second and Silver Street. The museum, run by the Hinsdale County Historic Society, chronicling the area’s history is also worth a visit.
For a glimpse of mining life take a tour of the Hard Tack Mine. The underground mine tour describes the tools and techniques used by hard rock miners and includes exhibits explaining local mining history and equipment along with a rock gallery showcasing the mine’s huge collection of rocks and minerals. The Hard Tack is located on County Road 20 toward Engineer’s Pass, just 2.5 miles outside of town.
If your dogs are tired from hiking take a drive along the Silver Thread Scenic Byway. The route heads south from Lake City on CO-149 to Windy Point, located just before Slumgullion Pass. From this vantage point panoramic views encompass four 14,000-ft. peaks, Redcloud (14,034 ft.), Sunshine (14,001 ft.), Uncompahgre Peak (14,309-ft.), and Wetterhorn (14,015-ft.), towering above the town to the northwest. Below is Lake San Cristobal and to the north the Slumgullion Earthflow, comprised of two major earthflows. The first flow occurred about 700 years ago when a huge mass of volcanic rock slumped down the valley, damming the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River and creating Lake San Cristobal. The second slide, visible from Windy Point, started 300 years ago and is still moving down the hillside. The bizarre angle of the trees growing along the hillside illustrates the continued movement of the slide.
The byway continues over Slumgullion Pass heading south to Creede, along the way passing through incredibly beautiful landscape. A few miles north of Creede is the turnoff to the Rio Grande Reservoir. The reservoir is stocked with fish and open to boats.
Creede, located near the headwaters of the Rio Grande, is a nicely preserved rustic mining town. The historic structures along the town’s main drag, Historic Street, are now home to a few restaurants and shops. Beyond Creede the road parallels the Rio Grande beneath towering cliffs, ending in South Fork.
The byway also heads north from Lake City, again following CO-149 north to Blue Mesa Lake west of Gunnison.
Just two miles south of town on US-149 is the turnoff for County Road 30 (CR 30) leading to Lake San Cristobal. This beautiful lake is a great place for fishing, boating, kayaking and canoeing. The Red Gulch Day Use area at the south end of the lake includes picnic facilities. The county-owned Wupperman Campground is located on the east side of the lake.
Four wheel drive enthusiasts will want to check out the Alpine Loop National Backcountry Byway. The byway is composed of several jeep roads that link Lake City with Ouray and Silverton to the west. The byway’s network of roads traverse stunning scenery, visit ghost towns and cross passes up to 12,880-ft. Check with the Lake City Visitor Center at 800 Gunnison Avenue for information on road conditions and technical skills required to navigate the route.
Food, Lodging and Services
For a small town Lake City has a nice selection of accommodations, restaurants and retail shops. Accommodations include B&B’s, small motels, lodges and cabins in town and at Lake San Cristobal. There are also a variety of homes and apartments available as vacation rentals.
People who prefer camping will find five campgrounds in the Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests near Lake City. There is also the county-owned Wupperman Campground at Lake San Cristobal, located on the east side of the lake. For a list of other public camping facilities got to the Lake City website. There are also a number of private campgrounds and RV parks in the area.
Your first stop in town should be the Visitor Center on 800 Gunnison Avenue, where you can pick up a map, learn about current conditions and get advice on recreation activities and nearby attractions. For groceries the only game in town is the Country Store Grocery at 916 N State Highway 149, which carries the basics needed to assemble a meal.
A wonderful selection of baked goods and fresh bread is available at the Lake City Bakery, at 922 N Highway 149. The Chillin Internet Coffee Shop and Cafe is the best place in town for a caffeine injection. For a complete list of local retail shops and services visit the Lake City Chamber of Commerce.
All Lake City Hikes
Best Lake City Hikes
Distance: 2.3 - 5.4 miles (Round Trip)
This terrific hike wanders through beautiful American Basin, visits scenic Sloan Lake and then ascends to the summit of Handies Peak (14,048-ft.) with spectacular panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains.
Distance: 7.8 miles (Round Trip)
Stunning panoramic views are the rewards for hiking to the top Uncompahgre Peak (14,309-ft.), the sixth highest fourteener in Colorado and the highest point in the San Juan Mountains.
Cataract Lake (aka Cataract Gulch) 
Distance: 7.6 - 8.2 miles (Round Trip)
Beginning in dense woods the trail passes cascades and waterfalls along Cataract Creek, travels through beautiful alpine meadows and visits a scenic alpine lake on its way to the Continental Divide.
Distance: 7.6 miles (Round Trip)
This gorgeous hike travels up a seldom visited valley to a scenic lake tucked in a high basin. Here you will experience a level of solitude not found on hikes to the nearby 14ers. Extend the hike by climbing to a saddle overlooking Lee Smelter Gulch to the north.
Distance: 8.0 miles (Round Trip)
The top of Handies Peak offers breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains. This alternative route to the summit is longer and more strenuous but less traveled than the more popular trail to Handies Peak via American Basin.
Distance: 9.0 - 11.8 miles (Round Trip)
A great hike leads to the top of two of the easiest fourteeners to climb in Colorado, Redcloud (14,034 ft.) and Sunshine (14,001 ft.) peaks. From the summits a sea of peaks and ridges extend in all directions, encompassing large swaths of the San Juan Mountains.
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Southwest ColoradoOurayTellurideSilvertonLake City