Note: Camping is permitted around the lake. For more information, head to the US Forest Service website.

From the Mountain Village near Telluride, drive south on CO 145 toward Lizard Head pass. A few miles before you reach the turnoff for Ophir, there's a brown forest service sign for Alta Lakes on your right, and a dirt road immediately after to your left. Turn left and follow the main dirt road for about four miles until you reach a old mining ghost town. To get to the lakes, turn right at the town and follow the signs to Alta Lakes. High-clearance vehicles recommended. But I do it in my Suby Forester all the time... just go slow :) There are campsites all around the three lakes, so take your pick! Your total drive to the lakes is 5 miles each way and you gain 1700 feet elevation. So drink plenty of water, you'll be camping and recreating at just over 11,000 ft at the campground. And keep in mind that there are very limited facilities up there. A vaulted toilet and no water.