Top 7 Lakes in Weminuche Wilderness

Visitors frequently enjoy Spotted Lake, known as a great water source with plenty of fish. Another favorite is Northern Highland Mary Lake, a subalpine lake distinguished by a small island with trees. Twin Lakes (Chicago Basin) are also very popular, serving as a base camp for climbing 14ers and offering views of the highest peaks.

The Weminuche Wilderness features rugged terrain with an average elevation of 10,000 feet. Many lakes, like Emerald Lake, sit at over 10,000 feet, and the Highland Mary Lakes are above 12,000 feet. Trails can range from moderately easy to challenging with steeper, rocky sections, especially closer to the alpine lakes.

The optimal time to visit when the lakes are thawed and accessible is typically late July and August. Many high-altitude lakes, such as the Highland Mary Lakes, remain frozen until summer.

Emerald Lake is a popular destination for backpackers, suitable for both novices and experienced trekkers. The 20-mile round trip is often turned into an overnight adventure, offering soul-stirring views.

The wilderness is home to diverse wildlife. Around lakes like Emerald Lake, you might encounter porcupines, bears, or even moose. On trails like the Williams Creek Trail, it's not uncommon to see bear, elk, and moose.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Emerald Lake is known for stocked salmon. The Highland Mary Lakes offer fishing for rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout. Spotted Lake is also noted for having plenty of fish, and West Ute Lake is known for excellent cutthroat trout fishing.

While many trails are challenging, some areas might be more accessible for families. For easier hikes near lakes, consider routes like the Andrews Lake Loop Trail, which is listed as an easy hike in the Easy hikes in Weminuche Wilderness guide.

The lakes are set amidst stunning natural beauty. The Highland Mary Lakes offer breathtaking views of the glistening lakes against broad alpine tundra and the majestic Grenadier Range. Crater Lake (Weminuche Wilderness) provides fantastic views, particularly of Engineer Mountain and the Needle Mountains. Twin Lakes in Chicago Basin offer spectacular views from the descent into the basin.

Beyond hiking, you can explore cycling and mountain biking. The Cycling in Weminuche Wilderness guide features routes like the Molas Lake loop. For mountain biking, the MTB Trails in Weminuche Wilderness guide includes trails such as the Pass and Coal Creek Loop.

Visitors should always practice Leave No Trace principles, especially regarding camping distances from water sources. Camping is not permitted directly in the Twin Lakes Basin (Chicago Basin). While Spotted Lake is a good water source, camping options are generally better at Archuleta Lake nearby. Always check specific wilderness regulations for permits and camping restrictions.

Moon Lake, though smaller than Emerald Lake, is considered more scenic and offers a profound sense of remoteness, being somewhat off the beaten path. It sits at 11,600 feet and is surrounded by dramatic mountainous terrain.

Yes, the Twin Lakes in Chicago Basin serve as an ideal base camp for adventurers aiming to summit several of Colorado's "14ers," including Windom Peak, Sunlight Peak, and Mount Eolus. The lakes themselves are at over 11,000 feet elevation.

The Highland Mary Lakes area is a beautiful, high-altitude subalpine basin that is largely treeless, filled with wildflowers in late summer. It offers rare quick access to alpine tundra for day hikers via the Highland Mary Trail, which also connects to the Continental Divide Trail.

Twin Lakes in Chicago Basin can be accessed from the Needleton Train Stop via the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, or by hiking trails like the Needle Creek Trail. Chicago Basin itself is a popular backpacking destination.