Top 20 Lakes in Chaffee County

Chaffee County offers several excellent fishing lakes. Boss Lake is known for Greenback Cutthroat Trout, though catch-and-release is required. Clear Creek Reservoir is home to Brown Trout, Kokanee Salmon, and Rainbow Trout. Cottonwood Lake is another great spot for Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Rainbow Trout. For a more adventurous fishing experience, Pomeroy Lake and Upper Pomeroy Lake, accessible via a 4x4 trail, offer incredible fishing for trout and arctic grayling. Chalk Lake is good for trout in spring and early summer, and the Hancock Lakes (Upper and Lower) are stocked with Brook Trout.

Yes, (Lower) Hancock Lake is a beautiful alpine lake that is accessible by OHV, making it easier for families to reach. O'Haver Lake is a popular and busy family-friendly option, ideal for camping, fishing, swimming, and paddleboarding, with available campsites.

Many lakes in Chaffee County are accessible via hiking trails. The Waterdog Lakes offer a moderately strenuous three-mile roundtrip hike with beautiful streams and forests. Hunt Lake provides a peaceful alpine hike with breathtaking valley views. For an off-the-beaten-path high-altitude adventure, Billings Lake offers peaceful hiking along rocky trails. You can find more hiking options in the area by exploring easy hikes in Chaffee County.

O'Haver Lake is a great option for paddleboarding and swimming, offering a family-friendly environment with various water activities. While many alpine lakes are too cold for swimming, O'Haver Lake provides a more suitable experience.

Hunt Lake is a great option for dog owners, as pets can swim in its clear waters. Many trails leading to Chaffee County's lakes are dog-friendly, but always ensure your dog is on a leash and you follow Leave No Trace principles.

The summer months, particularly June and July, are ideal for visiting the high alpine lakes. This is when the snow has melted, trails are clear, and wildflowers are in full bloom, offering stunning scenic views. Some high-altitude lakes, like Ptarmigan Lake, may remain snowed in or frozen until late June or July.

Yes, O'Haver Lake offers numerous campsites, some available by reservation and others on a first-come, first-served basis. Boss Lake also has several perfect campsites accessible via a short spur trail. Dispersed camping is available at Pomeroy Lake, and camping is possible along the route to Billings Lake. High mountain camp is another high-elevation campsite near a small alpine lake.

The lakes are set in diverse natural landscapes. You can find high alpine environments above the treeline, dense forests, and beautiful streams. The area around Waterdog Lakes is known for the native Tiger Salamander, also called the 'waterdog.' Many lakes offer stunning views of the Collegiate Range and other mountain peaks.

Yes, Pomeroy Lake and Upper Pomeroy Lake are accessible via a moderate 4x4 trail starting from Saint Elmo Ghost Town. Billings Lake is also known for rocky trails suitable for ATVs and Jeeps. The Hancock Lakes (Upper and Lower) are found in a gorgeous area accessible via an OHV route near the ghost town of Hancock.

Chaffee County's lakes are nestled in pristine mountain environments, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing. The Waterdog Lakes are named after the native Tiger Salamander. While specific sightings vary, you might encounter various bird species, deer, elk, and other small mammals common to high-altitude Colorado ecosystems.

Yes, the trail to Pomeroy Lake passes historic mining structures like the Mary Murphy Mine, and the lake itself is accessible from the historic Saint Elmo Ghost Town. The Hancock Lakes are also found near the ghost town of Hancock, offering a glimpse into the region's mining history.

For those seeking a challenge, Bear Lake (Collegiate Peaks Wilderness) offers a remote alpine experience with a challenging hike. Lake Ann is another high alpine lake that sits above the treeline, providing a tranquil, high-altitude experience that can be challenging to reach.