Waterdog Lake Trail

The Waterdog Lake Trail (Trail 594) is a 3.9-mile one-way hike that climbs from the edge of Lake City to Waterdog Lake. The trail begins at an elevation of 8,715 feet off State Highway 149, near the town wastewater treatment facility. Hikers follow a short access road past private property to reach the trailhead. The trail climbs steeply from the start, gaining approximately 2,520 feet of elevation. The path ascends through switchbacks, entering large aspen groves approximately one mile into the hike. These groves provide shade in summer and turn gold in autumn. As the trail climbs higher, the forest transitions to spruce and fir before opening into subalpine meadows. These open areas provide views of the Lake Fork Valley, Lake San Cristobal, and the surrounding San Juan Mountains. At approximately 3.1 miles, the trail reaches a signed junction with an old roadbed. Turning left at this junction leads through the final climb across alpine terrain to Waterdog Lake. The lake is located at 11,120 feet in a glacial cirque beneath rocky ridges.