South Crestone Lake Trail #860

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · River/Creek · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Trail is shown one-way, see information in Description for round-trip stats.

This trail takes you along South Crestone Creek to high mountain forests, lush hillside meadows, and aspen groves to South Crestone Lake. The hike to South Crestone Lake offers spectacular views into the San Luis Valley.

The Lake is situated just below Mt. Adams (13,931 ft). This hike is considered difficult, as it rises from 9,000' and ends at 11,900' but can be completed within a day. Bring gear for all different types of weather, as it can change quickly in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

The trailhead is managed by the U.S. Forest Service-Rio Grande National Forest. For current conditions or other information regarding this trail, please contact the Rio Grande National Forest.

Information from the sign posted by the USFS at the trailhead:
Miles long: 11 miles r/t
Level of Difficulty: Difficult
Hike Time: 10 hours r/t
Elevation Gain: 2,900 ft