Get Away From It All in Lake City

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Surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks and blanketed by some of the country’s darkest night skies, Lake City is an authentic Colorado mountain town. Partake in classic winter pursuits like cross-country skiing and snowmobiling on 100 miles of multi-use trails and scaling frozen walls at their famous ice park — all tucked away in a quiet alpine paradise so you can truly get away from it all.

Itinerary Tip
Backcountry Safety

Get out in front of backcountry danger this winter, and keep safety top-of-mind! Seek education and training prior to heading out, or utilize a professional guide or a seasoned mentor to explore Colorado's backcountry. Find more ways to get informed and stay safe in Colorado.

Sustainability Activity
How to Give Back to These Special Places

Donate to Lake City Friends of the Bears, dedicated to the reduction of bear-human conflict through many educational projects and the use of humane bear deterrents.

Insider's Tip
Travel Resources

Get all the information you need about cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and other activities by picking up a Lake City Winter Map from the Chamber of Commerce and other businesses in town.

Day
1
Activity
Ice Climbing at Lake City Ice Park

Bring your own gear or book a trip with Irwin Guides to check out Lake City’s Ice Park, which boasts more than 15 routes. This ice wall is right downtown and offers a warming hut and family-friendly atmosphere. Canine companions are encouraged.

interior photo
Lunch
Climb Elevated Eatery
Elevated comfort food and craft cocktails served with attentive, friendly service.
Activity
Drive to Lake San Cristobal

Colorado’s second-largest natural lake offers breathtaking views, and the iced -over lake is ideal for cross-country skiing. If you don’t have your own gear, rentals are available from The Sportsman Outdoors & Fly Shop located at 238 S. Gunnison Ave.

Dinner
Lake City Brewing Company
Lake City's first new brewery in over 130 years! Craft beer brewed right here in Lake City. Wine and cocktails also available. Dig into some pub grub…
Insider's Tip
Stay for Entertainment

Lake City Brewing Company hosts trivia and live music on select evenings. Check their Facebook page for more information.

Lodging
Matterhorn Motel
Excellent online reviews. Open 365 days a year! Located in the downtown National Historic District, off the main Hiway tucked up against the…
Day
2
Breakfast
Chillin' Internet Coffee Shop & Cafe
Serving breakfast and lunch and homemade espresso drinks, smoothies, and frozen yogurt.
Activity
Lake City Ski Hill
A family of four can ski here for as little as $44 per day (yes, all four of you). We're not big, but we make up for it with our friendly and fun…
Lunch
Tacos al Corazón
Tacos al Corazón promises quesadillas, margaritas and (you guessed it) tacos, including delicious vegetarian options.
Activity
Ice Skating

Rent some ice skates from The Sportsman Outdoors and Fly Shop and head to Lake San Cristobal. A Zamboni clears the ice on the west side of the lake, making it the most beautiful skating destination in all of Colorado. Want to stay close to town? There’s a small rink behind Armory Hall at 3rd and Bluff streets.

Dinner
Climb Elevated Eatery
Elevated comfort food and craft cocktails served with attentive, friendly service.
Activity
Stargazing

Dress warmly and view some of the darkest night skies in the U.S. With only 400 residents and the title of “most remote town in the lower 48,” you can bet the stars in Lake City are amazing. Head to Windy Point Overlook off Slumgullion Pass for the best views.

Lodging
Back Country Base Camp
Backcountry Basecamp welcomes you to Lake City, Colorado and invites you to spend a relaxing stay in a comfortable little lodge style home located in…
Day
3
Breakfast
Chillin' Internet Coffee Shop & Cafe
Serving breakfast and lunch and homemade espresso drinks, smoothies, and frozen yogurt.
Activity
Guided Snowmobile Trip with Lake City Auto and Sports Center

Your professional guide will take you to the Continental Divide, where over 100 miles of groomed trails await. Other activities to try on these trails include fat biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Gear rentals are available at the Sportsman Outdoors & Fly Shop.

Activity
Ice Fishing at Lake San Cristobal

Ice fishing on Lake San Cristobal, just 4.5 miles from downtown, is super popular. Here, bait and jigging are common tactics that result in lake trout — sometimes one too big to fit through the hole. Want to extend your trip? Set up a hut and stay for a few days. Guidance is available at Lake City Sportsman.

Insider's Tip
Grab Some Food for the Road

Snag a tasty sandwich to-go at Chillin' Internet Coffee Shop & Cafe on your way out of town in the morning. Once you’re up on the Continental Divide, you won't be eager to leave.

Dinner
Southern Vittles
Good old southern cooking. Specializing in fried fish, shrimp and chicken; also added this year is more BBQ. Come check out our new menu items.
Activity
Mountaineer Theatre
Over the years our theatre has been a staple to our family, the members to the Lake City, and everyone passing through. We continue to provide…
Lodging
Lakeview Property Management
If you are looking for a vacation rental in beautiful Lake City, you have come to the right spot! We have properties of all sizes.