Trail: Crater Lake

Trail Identifier:     T89-S102

Location:  Blanca, CO 81123

Trailhead Location: From the intersection of Colorado 160 and Colorado 150 (East of Alamosa) head north on Colorado 150 for 3.1 miles. There is no sign for the road to turn on, but it us just after the 3 mile marker on the right side. Turn here. After a quarter of a mile you will pass a sign letting you know you are in Wilderness area. Continue on this road as far as you are willing to go. The road quickly turns from sand to rock and becomes quite rough. If you are driving a passenger car you won't get far. Standard 4x4's will make it to maybe 10,500. The road goes to Como Lake, but unless you own a Rock Crawler you'll have to walk most of the way.

Last Updated: 2007-12-16 Parking: Trail Type: There and back

Trail Difficulty: Difficult Hike     Trail Length: 11.7 miles Trail Condition: OK, but a few difficult spots

Best Feature of Trail: A high altitude lake set below a stunning mountain among glacial moraine fields.
Sights: A high altitude lake set below a stunning mountain among glacial moraine fields.
Hike Description: The road climbs steadily via switchbacks passing several ruins of old buildings to Como Lake. Hikers can park along the road when it gets too rough for their vehicles and walk to the end of the road and then onto the trail. It will pass by Como Lake before treeline. Hike up the headwall next to the blue lakes. You’ll pass a stunning waterfall. At the top of the headwall the trail will then meander up past another small lake. Eventually the trail will suddenly open up to views of Crater Lake at the base of Little Bear Peak's cliffs.