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Taylor River Ranger District

Quick Facts

Copper Lake

Elevation:	11,321 Feet (3529.0 Meters)
Handicapped Accessible:	No
Recommended Season:	Early Fall
Trail Number:	739
Usage:	Heavy in Summer
USGS Maps:	Gothic, Maroon Bells
Vehicle Accessibility:	Passenger Vehicle

General Description

Copper Lake lies at 11,321 feet in the midst of the Elk Mountain Range. It also lies within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, which limits access to hoof or foot. To access this trail use the Judd Falls trailhead immediately east of Gothic. This is an amazingly beautiful site with fair fishing for Snake River cutthroat and rainbow trout.

Directions from Gothic: Drive six miles north of Crested Butte on Highway 135 (Gothic Road). Turn right on to Forest Road 739 and park at the Judd Falls Trailhead. From this point it is six miles to Copper Lake.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Open: Mid-June through September .

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

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Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Cold Water Fishing	Copper Lake	Yes
	Hiking & Walking	Copper Creek Trail	Yes
	Horseback Riding	Copper Creek Trail	No
	Stock Packing	Copper Creek Trail	Yes
	Bird Identification	Copper Creek Trail	Yes
	Plant Identification	Copper Lake	Yes
	Lakes & Reservoirs	Copper Lake	Yes
	Backpacking	Copper Lake Trail	Yes
	Viewing Scenery	Copper Lake	Yes

Related Activities

Avery Peak Picnic Ground - Avery Picnic Area is located on Gothic Road north of the town site of Gothic. It contains four family picnic areas with tables and grills.

Conundrum Trail #1981 - This trail lies within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness and uses Copper Creek as an access to Conundrum Hot Springs.

Copper Creek Tail #1983 - Copper Creek Trail, 1983, leads from the Judd Falls Trailhead near Gothic, north to East Maroon Pass. The entire length of this trail is located within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.

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.