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