How to drive the unpaved road to Alta Lakes in Colorado?

Alta Lakes is a series of three lakes at an elevation of 3.484m (11,430ft) above sea level, located in San Miguel County, in the US state of Colorado. The scenery is worth the trip.

Alta Lakes

Where are Alta Lakes?

The lakes are located south of Telluride, in the southwestern part of Colorado, within the Uncompahgre National Forest.

Is the road to Alta Lakes unpaved?

The road to the lakes is totally unpaved. It’s called 649 Road, also known as Alta Lakes Road. It’s an unpaved mountain road, bumpy and narrow and a little bit steep. 4x4 vehicles recommended. You'll find a lot of traffic on this trail but the short trip is worth it.

Is the road to Alta Lakes open year-round?

Set high in the San Juan Mountains, the road is not plowed in winters, and usually impassable from October through June.

How long is the road to Alta Lakes?

Starting from the paved CO-145, the road to the summit is 7.08km (4.4 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 492m (1,617 ft) and the average gradient is 6.94%.
Pic: TS Whit

 



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