Lewis Lake and Mine

Cappie’s Scoop: Wow, all I can say is wow! I told mom we need to move here so I can hike this trail all the time. There are waterfalls, alpine lakes and big swimming holes to jump in! After I hiked for a bit up this trail, I didn’t see a lot of hoomans or dogs. There was also a lot of space for me to zoom and mom didn’t have to worry about being close to the edge of a mountain or anything. I told mom we should bring our tent next time and stay a while! If you want a shorter hike, you can hike to just Blue Lake. Don’t hesitate to add YOUR scoop in the comments below!

Tips: This is one of the most spectacular trails we’ve hiked so far! The trail up to the lake is busting with wildflowers in July, waterfalls and mountain views! You first pass the amazing largely intact 5-story historic Lewis Mill at 12,448 ft. Check it out and then keep heading up the trail to find the lake at 12,700 ft. If you still have energy and want to break the 13,000 ft mark, you can cross the damn and head up to the pass as the trail continues on!

Directions: From the town of Telluride, head east on Colorado Avenue leaving the town behind you for about 2 miles. Colorado Avenue becomes Forest Service Rd 648 and ends at a parking lot. Parking for this hike fills up fast so be sure to go early or on a weekday. Some brave vehicles may even drive up the fire road as far as the power station where the trail continues past the waterfall behind a gate. Watch out for cars if your dog is with you.