Potato Lake - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

There are plenty of things to do here, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The scenery is stunning, and the lake is teeming with wildlife. Potato Lake is also a great place to stargaze. The night sky is incredibly clear here, and you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye. If you're looking for a place to relax and soak up some natural beauty, Potato Lake is definitely worth a visit.

Potato Lake is a beautiful body of water located in San Juan County, Colorado. The lake is named for the large number of potatoes that were once grown in the area. The first recorded mention of Potato Lake was made by a trapper named James Bridger in 1844. Bridger noted that the lake was full of fish and said that it would be a great place to build a cabin. However, it wasn't until 1874 that the first permanent settlers arrived in the area. These settlers were drawn to the lake because of its abundant fishing and hunting. They built cabins along the shore and soon established a thriving community. Today, Potato Lake is a popular destination for camping, hiking, and fishing. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. The history of Potato Lake is one of Native Americans, trappers, settlers, and outdoor enthusiasts. It is a history that continues to be written every day.

The best time to visit Potato Lake is in the summer, when the weather is warm and the water is calm. This is the perfect time to go swimming, fishing, or kayaking. The fall is also a great time to visit, as the leaves start to change color and the air becomes cooler. 

1. Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and hats - the high altitude means that the sun is very strong.
2. Remember that the lake is at high altitude - if you have any medical conditions that are affected by altitude, make sure to take precautions.
3. Be aware of the weather conditions - thunderstorms can roll in quickly in the mountains.
4. There are several different hiking trails around Potato Lake, so be sure to bring your hiking shoes. The trail around the lake is an easy hike with amazing views.
5. Potato Lake is a great place for fishing and camping. Fishing licenses can be purchased at most sporting goods stores or online through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. Camping is allowed anywhere around the lake except within 100 feet of the shoreline.
6. Be sure to pack insect repellent as mosquitoes can be plentiful near the lake during certain times of year.
7. If you're looking for a more strenuous hike, the 12-mile trail around the lake is perfect for experienced hikers. Make sure you're prepared for a long day on the trail before embarking on this hike.
8. ATVing and off-roading are also popular activities in the area - just be respectful of the fragile ecosystem and stick to designated trails.
    

1.  The lake is fed by the Rio Grande and has a maximum depth of 100 feet and is approximately 12 miles long and 6 miles wide.
2. The lake is home to a variety of fish species including rainbow trout, brown trout, and cutthroat trout.
3. The scenery around Potato Lake is stunning, with mountains, forests, and meadows all nearby.
4. Potato Lake is located in an area of high seismic activity and has experienced several earthquakes in recent years.
5. The name 'Potato Lake' comes from the fact that potatoes were once grown in the area around the lake.
6. There are several geologic features of interest in the area, including Ancient Puebloan petroglyphs and an extinct volcano.

The maximum time required to explore the lake is 3-4 hours. If you want to fully explore this area, allow at least one day. 

 The lake is located about 12 miles north of Durango, and can be accessed via a relatively easy hike from the south side of the mountain. From the trailhead, it is about a 3-mile hike to reach the lake, with an elevation gain of about 1,000 feet. The trail is well-marked and scenic, passing through aspen groves and meadows with wildflowers before reaching the rocky slopes that lead to the lake.

No, there is no entrance fee to explore Potato Lake. 

The lake is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. during the summer months.