San Isabel Lake - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

San Isabel Lake is a beautiful and serene place that offers a plethora of activities for visitors to enjoy. One popular activity is hiking; there are numerous trails of varying difficulty that offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding area. For those looking for a more challenging hike, there is also the option to scale one of the nearby peaks. Another popular activity at San Isabel Lake is fishing; the clear waters are bountiful with trout, making for a fun and relaxing experience. There are also boats available for rent, which can be used for fishing, exploring the shoreline, or simply enjoying a sunny day out on the water. No matter what your interests are, San Isabel Lake is sure to have something for you.

The history of San Isabel Lake dates back to the late 19th century, when a group of prospectors discovered gold in the area. The gold rush that followed attracted thousands of people to the area, resulting in the formation of several mining towns, including Saguache, Gunnison and Salida. However, the gold deposits were soon depleted and most of the miners left the area. The towns fell into decline and were eventually abandoned.

In the early 20th century, the area was used for grazing cattle. However, this changed in the 1930s when the United States Forest Service built a dam on Cottonwood Creek, creating San Isabel Lake. The lake soon became a popular recreation spot, and several campgrounds and picnic areas were developed around its shores. Today, San Isabel Lake is a popular destination for fishing, camping and hiking, and its scenic beauty makes it one of the most photographed spots in Colorado.

San Isabel Lake is a beautiful place to visit any time of year. However, the best time to enjoy all that the lake has to offer is from June through September. During these months, the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for swimming, hiking, and boating. The scenery is also at its best during this time of year, with wildflowers blooming and the trees providing plenty of shade. 

1. Pack plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent. The altitudes in Colorado can be intense, so it's important to protect your skin from sunburn. Bug spray is also a must - the mosquitoes can be pesky!
2. Be sure to bring your fishing gear. San Isabel is known for its excellent trout fishing, and there are also opportunities to catch bass, pike, and other types of fish. A valid Colorado fishing license is required for all anglers 16 years of age and older.
3. Camping is allowed in designated areas only, so be sure to check with the Lake Rangers before setting up camp. Fires are permitted in campgrounds and picnicking areas, but please be sure to follow all fire safety regulations.

4. ATV's and dirt bikes are not allowed on any trails around the lake. However, there are several off-road vehicle areas nearby where you can enjoy riding your OHV. Please stay on designated trails and obey all posted signs.

5. Please respect private property boundaries and do not trespass onto land that does not belong to the public recreation area. There are many NO TRESPASSING signs posted around the lake - please respect them!

6. Pets are welcome in the recreation area, but must be kept on a leash at all times ( 6 feet or shorter). Please clean up after your pet and be considerate of other visitors by keeping them under control at all times.

7. The night sky is also incredible - there's nothing like seeing a blanket of stars from the middle of nowhere. If you have a telescope, bring it along for some truly amazing views.

1. There are two public boat ramps on the lake that provide access for boaters and fishermen.
2. The scenic Lake Fork of the Gunnison River flows into San Isabel Lake from the north.
3. San Isabel Lake is one of Colorado's most photographed lakes due to its stunning mountain views and blue waters.
4. The lake is named after Mount San Isabel, which dominates the landscape to the south of the lake. Mount San Isabel is one of Colorado's fourteeners, peaks that rise over 14,000 feet above sea level.
5. The lake is also a popular destination for birdwatching, as it is home to a variety of waterfowl and other wildlife.

The maximum time required to explore the entire lake is approximately four hours. This includes time for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and hiking.

Nestled in the San Isabel National Forest, San Isabel Lake is a hidden gem in Saguache County, Colorado. To reach the lake, take Highway 285 to Saguache and turn onto County Road T (towards the Post Office). After about 3 miles, turn left onto County Road BB, and follow the signs for the lake. The last mile or so is unpaved, but the road is generally passable for most vehicles. 

There is an entrance fee to explore the lake, but it is well worth the price. visitors will need to pay $5 per person or $20 per family in order to access the trail. 

The lake is open year-round, and the hours vary depending on the season. In the winter, the gate opens at 7 AM and closes at 5 PM. In the spring and fall, the gate is open from 6 AM to 8 PM. And in the summer, the gate is open from 5 AM to 9 PM.