Spectacle Lake Trail - Alamosa, CO

eatstayplay.com - Colorado - Spectacle Lake Trail

Spectacle Lake Trail


	Courtesy of EatStayPlay.com

The Spectacle Lake trail provides an ideal day hike for those camping at the Spectacle Lake and Conejos Campgrounds because of the trailhead's proximity to the campgrounds. The trail provides hikers with an overall view of the streamside and forest environments of the Conejos River valley.

The most important use of the Spectacle Lake Trail is as an access to the Notch Trail. The river must be forded at the trailhead. Access may be difficult during spring run-off when the Conejos River is high. No boating is allowed on Spectacle Lake.

The Spectacle Lake Trail is ideal for those interested in learning about the ecosystems along the Conejos River. From the trailhead, it follows the river closely for one-half mile downstream, passing through the meadows, willow thickets, and cottonwood groves of the riparian ecosystem. The trail then climbs the western slope of the Conejos Canyon through the montane forest, dominated by Douglas fir, white fir, aspen and blue spruce. Along the trail, impressive views down into the Conejos Canyon may be seen. The trail joins the Notch Trail about halfway up the canyon slope, where the Notch Trail begins to climb steeply to the ridgetop overlooking the Conejos River and Elk Creek.

This trail measures 1.5 miles and has a beginning elevation of 8,750 feet and an ending elevation of 9,100 feet. This trail is rated as "easy" and receives "moderate" usage.

Facilities: Both the Cojones Campground and the Spectacle Lake Campground provide facilities needed. Other facilities can be found in Antonio before departure.

Reservations: Reservations are not accepted.

Best Time To Visit: This trail is open year-round.

Fees: There are no fees to hike this trail.

Accessibility: Unknown

Rules: There are a variety of rules to consider when visiting a National Forest. Please contact the local Forest Ranger for more specific information.

Directions: From Antonito, travel west for 23.0 miles on Colorado Highway 17 to Forest Road #250. Take the Forest Road #250 northwest approximately 4.5 miles and one-half mile south of Spectacle Lake Campground. The trailhead is on the east side of the river.

Address

Conejos Peak Ranger Station

15571 County Road T-5

P.O. Box 420

La Jara, Colorado 81140

Phone
General: (719) 274-8971
TTY: (719) 274-3139

Email this page to a friend!

Back to Alamosa