Camp at Alta Lakes
Details
Added by Andrew Slaton
Pass a nearby ghost town en route to camping with beautiful lake views. And, it's free!
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.
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Reviews
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Crowded and hard to get to.
This location is beautiful but I had to hike the last mile becuase someone parked their rental jeeps in the road.
4.0
Busy
The lake and surrounding area were absolutely beautiful. Even though a high clearance 4x4 is required to reach this area it still gets very crowded with visitors and campers.
5.0
Spectacular
Words can't describe how incredible this spot is. Get here early!!! We arrived at 10:45am and got the last spot right on the lake's edge facing the mountains (there were other spots but were further from the lake). It should be noted that the sun hits the east rim of the lake (closest to the mountain face) an hour later than the western side. Couldn't have picked a better spot to camp.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
