wildernet

Taylor River Ranger District

Quick Facts

Emerald Lake Picnic Ground

Elevation:	10,300 Feet (3210.7 Meters)
Handicapped Accessible:	No
Number of Sites:	4
Other Maps:	Gunnison Basin Area Map National Forest Map
Recommended Season:	Late Summer
Reservation Status:	Not Accepted
Vehicle Accessibility:	Four-wheel Drive Vehicle

		Satellite and Topo Map

General Description

This picnic area lies north of Gothic on Scholfield Pass. Often this site is accessible only by foot from Gothic Road, due to an avalanche path on the southern side of the lake. Fishermen, hikers and mountain bikers will enjoy the terrain and waters close to this site.

Directions from Gothic: Drive north on Gothic Road, Forest Road 317, approximately five miles to Emeral Lake. Many times an avalanche path south of the lake blocks the road and many people park their vehicles below the snow and hike across it.

Directions from Slate River Road: Travel west on the Slate River Road, Forest Road 734, passed Pittsburgh. Follow the road as it climbs to the top of Paradise Divide. Once passed the divide, you'll reach a wide open park. Travel through this park, when you reach the end of the park the road forks. Take the right side of the fork, which will bring you to Emerald Lake.

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

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Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Camping	Gothic Campground	No
	Cold Water Fishing	Emerald Lake	No
	Four-Wheel Driving	Scholfield Pass	No
	Hiking & Walking	Trail Riders Trail, Frigid Air Pass, West Maroon Pass	No
	Horseback Riding	Frigid Air Pass, West Maroon Pass	No
	Bird Identification	Emerald Lake Picnic Ground	Yes
	Mushroom Identification	Emerald Lake Picnic Ground	Yes
	Plant Identification	Emerald Lake Picnic Ground	Yes
	Wildflower Identification	Emerald Lake Picnic Ground	Yes
	Mountain Biking	Trail 403, Trail 401	No
	Picnicking	Emerald Lake Picnic Ground	Yes

Related Activities

Emerald Lake - Emerald Lake is an alpine lake of twelve surface acres, that supports small rainbow trout. It is situated in a scenic valley with a picnic area on its northern shore.

Gothic Campground - Gothic Campground is surrounded by 13,000 foot mountains that create beautiful, but challenging terrain for biking, hiking, horseback riding and four-wheel driving.

Schofield Pass Road # 317 - The section of Schofield Pass north of Schofield Park is equally beautiful and treacherous. This road should only be attempted by experienced drivers in short wheel-based vehicles.

Slate River Road #734 - This road follows Slate River and then continues to the White River National Forest.