The Top 20 Lakes in the San Juan Mountains
Looking to visit the best lakes in the San Juan Mountains? After all, there’s nothing better than the serenity of the lakeshore — or a quick dip when the weather’s warm. So, browse our list of San Juan Mountains’s top lakes below as recommended by the komoot community, and experience more on your next adventure!
Last updated: November 4, 2025
Ice Lake
Highlight • Lake
Ice Lake is a stunning alpine lake that is perfect for a break. You are surrounded by the majestic peaks of Golden Horn, Pilot Knob and Ulysses S Grant Peak. …
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Island Lake
Highlight • Lake
Island lake is a cerulean-blue alpine lake nestled just north of Ice Lake below Grant Peak. This is one of the best views you will get in the Ice Lakes Basin.
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Trail around Andrews Lake
Highlight • Trail
With views of Snowdon Peak and other summits in the Weminuche Wilderness from the parking lot and waterside hiking along the banks of the lake, the Andrew Lake Trail loop …
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Lake and campsites
Highlight • Lake
At this junction, you can decide to follow the Cataract Gulch Trail for some yards to get to Cataract Lake, stay at this smaller lake right in front of you …
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Lemon Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
Lemon Reservoir is a popular spot for biking, running, walking, and off-road driving in San Juan National Forest. The road is paved the majority of the way (a recent addition), …
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Molas Lake & Campground
Highlight • Lake
Molas lake is a medium sized alpine lake close to the town of Silverton. The campground has sites all around the lake and was rated as "Most scenic campground in …
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Archuleta Trailhead at Big Meadows Reservoir
Highlight • Trail
The Archuleta Trailhead is located at the south shore of Big Meadows Reservoir. There is a large parking lot and a pit toilet. You can walk around the lake combining …
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Trout Lake
Highlight • Lake
The views down over Trout Lake with its mountain backdrop from here on Highway 145 are simply breathtaking. The lake is set in an incredible rocky amphitheatre of 13,000 foot …
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Williams Creek Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
The trail is a nontechnical singletrack which climbs steadily all the way up to the CDT. The trail is beautiful and very remote — it is not uncommon to see …
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Archuleta Trail
Highlight • Trail
Starting at Big Meadows Reservoir, the Archuleta Trail is roughly 6.5 miles long to where it connects with the Continental Divide Trail and to the beautiful Archuleta Lake. It will …
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Still not found your perfect lake in the San Juan Mountains? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
Front RangeLarimer CountyWhite River National ForestBoulder CountyJefferson CountySummit CountyDenver CountyArapahoe CountyArapaho And Roosevelt National ForestsBroomfieldEl Paso CountySan Juan National ForestClear Creek CountySan Juan CountySawatch RangePike And San Isabel National ForestsLake CountyGrand CountyPitkin CountyMesa CountyGrand Mesa, Uncompahgre And Gunnison National ForestsRio Grande National ForestEagle CountyChaffee CountyRoutt CountyDelta CountyGunnison CountyPark CountyAdams CountyWeld CountyLa Plata CountyDouglas CountyHinsdale CountyGarfield CountyPueblo CountyBroomfield CountyMineral CountyFlat TopsCuster CountyGilpin County
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