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

Lake Isabelle is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3.619m (11,873ft) above sea level, located in Lake County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.

Lake Isabelle

Where is Lake Isabelle?

The lake is located east of Leadville, in the central part of Colorado, within the San Isabel National Forest.

Is the road to Lake Isabelle unpaved?

The road to the lake is totally unpaved, with a few narrow parts and steep sections. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended.

How long is the road to Lake Isabelle?

Starting from Leadville, the road to the summit is 4 km long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 359 m and the average gradient is 8.97%.

Is the road to Lake Isabelle open year-round?

Set high in the Mosquito Range of the Colorado Rockies, the road is not plowed in winters and usually open from May through November.
Pic: John Carter

 

 

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