How to drive the unpaved road to Hilman Lake in Colorado?

Hilman Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3.353m (11,000ft) above sea level, located in Conejos County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Hilman Lake

Where is Hilman Lake?

The lake is located northeast of Pagosa Springs, in the southern part of Colorado, within the Rio Grande National Forest. 

Is the road to Hilman Lake unpaved? 

The road to the lake is totally unpaved. It’s known as Rito Gato Road in some maps. It features narrow parts, steep sections and 4 hairpin turns. A 4x4 vehicle is required.

How long is the road to Hilman Lake?

Starting from Forest Road 247, the road to the lake is 7.24km (4.5 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 239m (787 ft) and the average gradient is 3.30%. 

Is the road to Hilman Lake open year-round? 

Set high in the San Juan Mountains, the road ends at an elevation of 3.484m (11,430ft) above sea level. It’s not plowed in winters.
Pic: Nicholas Pena

 



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