wildernet

Fishing: Colorado

Quick Facts

Crater Lake Trail

Beginning Elevation:	11,620 Feet (3622.2 Meters) Elwood Pass Road 380
Difficulty:	Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain:	2,020 Feet (629.7 Meters)
Ending Elevation:	10,760 Feet (3354.1 Meters) Ends at Crater Lake
High Point:	12,200 Feet (3803.0 Meters) Continental Divide
Length, One-way:	3.5 Miles (5.83 Kilometers)
Trail Number:	707
Usage:	Heavy
USGS Maps:	Elwood Pass

Outfitters and Guides

General Description

This is a wonderful, though moderately strenuous day hike. The trail starts in a forest and climbs above timberline to the Continental Divide. Spectacular views abound here. The trail makes a descent down the west side of the Continental Divide to Crater Lake, a beautiful green lake surrounded by mountains. The lake offers fishing for cutthroat trout in addition to its scenic beauty.

The trail leaves the Elwood Pass Road 380, passing through scattered subalpine forest. The visitor quickly reaches timberline. Once the Continental Divide is reached, the trail begins to descend the west side. This section may be in poor condition; it was scheduled for reconstruction.

This trail serves as access to the Continental Divide Trail 813, which offers the user unlimited possibilities for recreation. Visitors are requested to contact a Forest Service Office for the regulations governing use of the Continental Divide Trail which passes through the South San Juan Wilderness Area.

Suitable campsites are available at Crater Lake, but otherwise are quite limited.

Directions from Monte Vista, Colorado: Proceed south on the Gunbarrel Road, State Road 15, for 12 miles. Turn west onto Forest Road 250 for 32 miles, to Forest Road 380. Continue west on Forest Road 380 for 7 miles to the trailhead.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Open: Late June-Early July through September .

		Current Conditions & Trip Reports
		Add your own trip Report! Newly re-released feature. One of the most popular features on Wildernet, trip reports allow you to share your experiences with others. This is an invaluable resource for determining what to expect on your outdoor adventure, so please participate! To prevent spamming, you must be a registered user of Wildernet in order to submit a trip report Filed By: b p (alamosa, CO) Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl Recommend to a Friend: Highly Report: Toughest part is getting out of the car after a one hour drive from Monte Vista and starting on an inclined trail. Once you get used to that the rest is easy to the lake. The lake is gorgeous and blue. There is a trail that circles the lake shore. Lots of huge fish hanging out near the end of the trail/lake exit/stream. I speared one (first time) and was able to grab some others but too slippery. The hike out is more uphill than down but not too crazy steep. When you get to the lake, eat, drink, rest, and save some energy for the hike back. Some small waterfalls to see on the other side of the lake. Conditions: Some small snow drifts still around that cover the trail. About 10 drifts to walk over easily, and about 5 small streams to ross. Most fallen trees have been cut out of the way. Some mud and water follows the trail for small portions. I didn't get my feet wet with snow or water. Rocky in some parts, lots of forest shade for the majority, exposed to sun in some parts. Water Availability: I brought a camelpack of water, some beef jerky, and trail mix. I didnt eat more than a few handfuls of food, and drank about half my water (about 2 liters). Lots of water sources along the way, not sure if clean to drink or not. Recommended Clothing: shorts, hiking boots, tshirt, hat. Brought light coat just in case. I would bring sun protection. It was also windy at the beginning/end of trail where its above the timber line. Suggested Accessories: Bring basic fishing gear, good hiking boots, water, snack/lunch, hat. I used a hiking stick at the end cuz my legs were tired. Crater lake looks perfect for skinny dipping or swimming. Not as cold as I expected. Filed By: joe Rivas (pagosa springs, CO) Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl Recommend to a Friend: Highly Report: Toughest part is the first mile and the second mile climbing out. Biggest reward is the view of Montezuma Peak and Crater Lake from the trail above. Good place to eat lunch is at the lake. Found trash people left behind and packed it out. Pack your trash out. Pack lightly and bring your camera. Conditions: Some snow on the northern aspects. Crossed a few small creeks. Leave early to avoid storm on the upper elevation part of the trail. Wear nice hiking shoes with ankle supports-alot of rocks. Water Availability: I brought two water bottles with 40 oz. of water. Drank one bottle in and one bottle out. Recommended Clothing: I used cotton shorts and a cotton shirt. Prepare to get wet and pack a rain jacket. Suggested Accessories: Bring a fishing pole to fish and a camera stand for pics. Also a hiking stick would be nice. Filed By: kelsey Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl Recommend to a Friend: Highly Report: I found the start was the hardest part becuase it starts off at a high incline. I recommand start early. Planning to eat lunch at the Lake is nice it is warm. The water can be cold. All around wonderful. Conditions: There are tons of wildlife as well as foliage to see. On occassion there is some snow. It is rocky Water Availability: take what you know you would drink and then some. You gain altitude and it gets windy and sunny. Then the drive back can be a while with out water. Recommended Clothing: Take something warm to wear when you get to altitude.

Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Backpacking	Suitable campsites at Crater Lake; other choices quite limited	Yes
	Cold Water Fishing	Cutthroat trout in the lake	Yes
	Hiking & Walking	Crater Lake Trail	Yes
	Horseback Riding	Moderately strenuous	Yes
	Viewing Scenery	Spectacular vistas	Yes

Related Activities

Blue Lake - Located in the South San Juan Wilderness, access is by foot or horse travel only. This scenic lake is heavily used. Brown and brook trout can be caught here.

Continental Divide - Blue Lake to Elwood Pass Tra - Visitors will be rewarded with spectacular vistas in all directions. Due to the exposed nature of most of this trail, extremely close watch should be kept on weather conditions.