The Wildflowers & Stars Glow in Lake City

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Travel deep into the great outdoors in Lake City, the lower 48's most remote town. Hike the San Juan Mountains, fish high-alpine lakes and catch a show after a great meal. It's all in a summer's day in Lake City.

Sustainability Activity
Lake City DIRT

Consider donating to the Lake City Downtown Improvement & Revitalization Team (DIRT), which works with the town keeping Lake City's historic district as authentic as possible. 

Insider's Tip
Want to Hit Hinsdale County's Backcountry Roads?

Because the county is so remote, it's always a good idea to check road conditions. Give the Chamber of Commerce a call at 970-944-2527 or check out Colorado.gov/HinsdaleCounty for updated information. The Visitor Center is also a place to go for a visitor guide and summer and winter trail maps.

Insider's Tip
Stay the Trail

When riding OHVs through the Alpine Loop, make sure you follow Colorado's off-roading motto of "Stay the Trail."

Day
1
hinsdale county museum in lake city photo
Activity
Hinsdale County Museum
The Hinsdale County Historical Society was established in October 1973 and opened its first museum in the Finley Block in July 1975. The building…
Lunch
Climb Elevated Eatery
Elevated comfort food and craft cocktails served with attentive, friendly service.
Activity
Lake San Cristobal

Take a short drive up to Lake San Cristobal for fishing or take a hike on the back side of the lake. Just a few miles farther up the road are a number of hiking opportunities, including Wheeler Creek. If you’re up to it, you can take the four-wheel drive trail up Wager Gulch to Carson City, a standing ghost town near the Continental Divide.

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…
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
North Face Lodge
The North Face Lodge is recently remodled and each room is decorated according to local mountain themes. We are located on the Lake Fork of the…
Day
2
Breakfast
Chillin' Internet Coffee Shop & Cafe
Serving breakfast and lunch and homemade espresso drinks, smoothies, and frozen yogurt.
Activity
Alpine Loop - Scenic and Historic Byway
Crosses the remote, rugged heart of the San Juan Mountains.
Lunch
The Wrangler
Formerly Restless Spirits Saloon, The Wrangler's serving up handmade pizzas, sandwiches, and other pub style fare. Open seasonally.
Activity
Continue the Alpine Loop

Continue your adventure on the Alpine Loop with a stop at American Basin, a high alpine basin surrounded by vertical cliffs and well known for its spectacular display of alpine wildflowers in mid-July to early August.

Dinner
Packer Saloon & Cannibal Grill
Serving food from 11am to 9pm every day. A very relaxing and fun place! Come join us!
Activity
Lake City Arts
Non profit arts center and theater serving the residents, guests and visitors to Lake City Colorado. Sponsor of Lake City Arts & Crafts Festival held…
Lodging
G&M Cabins
G&M Cabins is centrally located in downtown Lake City. Our cabins are completely furnished with kitchens, 1 or 2 bedrooms, private baths and cable…
Day
3
Breakfast
Lake City Bakery
The Bakery sits in the San Juan Mountains. We are going on our 29th summer It's in a small town with beautiful views. Everything is baked fresh…
Activity
Go Fishing

Summer is prime season for high-country streams and lakes surrounding Lake City. Check out Lake San Cristobal, Deer Lakes, Big Blue Creek, Cebolla Creek and more.

Lunch
Chillin' Internet Coffee Shop & Cafe
Serving breakfast and lunch and homemade espresso drinks, smoothies, and frozen yogurt.
Activity
Hard Tack Mine Tours & Museum
Hard Tack Mine Tours and Museum was born out of a desire to preserve the mining history of beautiful Lake City, Colorado and strives to bring that…
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
Night Skies

Gaze at some of the world's brightest stars at the Slumgullion Discovery Center, located three miles south of downtown Lake City along Hwy 149. In the process of becoming a designated International Dark Sky Park, this pocket of Lake City beckons you to bring a telescope and a camera. Nearby, you’ll also discover the site where well-known cannibal, Alfred Packer, is said to have murdered his companions.

Lodging
Alpine Moose Lodge
The Alpine Moose Lodge is located above the town of Lake City, Colorado, boasting the best views and has easy access to all its amenities including…