San Juan Mountains · 10,000–12,700'
Alpine Lakes
Glacier-carved lakes with impossible colors, hidden above 12,000 feet
Crystal Waters
Waters so clear they mirror the sky
The San Juan Mountains are home to dozens of alpine lakes carved by glaciers thousands of years ago. Fed by snowmelt and underground springs, these high-country jewels shimmer in shades of turquoise, sapphire, and emerald — colors so vivid they defy description. From drive-up access at Molas Lake to hard-earned summits above Ice Lake, every lake tells a different story.
Most alpine lakes are accessible from mid-July through mid-September, when snowfields have melted enough to reveal the trails. Bring layers — weather above 12,000 feet can change in minutes — and arrive early to catch the still morning light on the water.
12,270 ft
Ice Lake
The most iconic alpine lake in the San Juans. Ice Lake sits in a dramatic cirque surrounded by jagged 13,000-foot peaks, its waters an almost unbelievable shade of turquoise. The color comes from glacial rock flour — fine sediment suspended in the water that catches and refracts light. On a sunny day, the blues and greens are so vivid they look digitally enhanced, but this is the real thing.
10,515 ft
Molas Lake
Just twenty minutes up the Million Dollar Highway, Molas Lake is the most accessible alpine lake in the area — and one of the most photogenic. The lake sits in an open meadow with panoramic views of the Grenadier Range and the Needle Mountains. Kayak, paddleboard, or fish for stocked rainbow trout. The lake is also a popular starting point for backpacking trips into the Weminuche Wilderness.
12,693 ft
Columbine Lake
A brilliant sapphire-colored alpine pool at the head of Mill Creek, reached by a challenging but rewarding trail off the Million Dollar Highway. The lake sits at nearly 12,700 feet surrounded by loose talus and alpine tundra, with the option to continue to Columbine Pass at 13,094 feet for even bigger views. Brook trout fishing is excellent here.
12,392 ft
Island Lake
Just beyond Ice Lake, Island Lake sits 120 feet higher in an even more dramatic setting — a crystal-clear tarn ringed by towering peaks on three sides with a small rocky island breaking the surface. The reflection of the surrounding peaks in the still water is one of the most photographed scenes in all of Colorado. Worth the extra 0.7-mile push from Ice Lake.
11,400 ft
Bullion King Lake
A hidden gem tucked into the mountains above Purgatory, Bullion King Lake rewards hikers with a serene alpine setting surrounded by rugged peaks and wildflower meadows. Less trafficked than the Ice Lakes trail, this moderate hike climbs through dense spruce forest before opening into a wide basin with the sparkling lake at its center. The trailhead is just a short drive from the house, making it a perfect half-day adventure.
