Cataract Lake

Distance: 7.6 - 8.2 miles (round trip)

Gunnison BLM, near Lake City in Southwest Colorado

Looking down at Cataract Lake from near the Continental Divide

Looking down at Cataract Lake from near the Continental Divide

 

Beginning in dense woods the trail passes cascades and waterfalls along Cataract Creek, travels through beautiful alpine meadows and visits a scenic alpine lake on its way to the Continental Divide
See Trail Detail/Full Description

  • Distance: 8.2 miles (round trip)
  • Elevation: 9,630-ft. at Trailhead
    Maximum elevation: 12,200-ft.
  • Elevation Gain: 2,570-ft.
  • Difficulty: moderate-strenuous
  • More Hikes in:
    Lake City / Southwest Colorado

Why Hike Cataract Lake

This scenic hike climbs steeply up Cataract Gulch to a pretty lake basin just below the Continental Divide. Along the way the trail ascends through dense woods, passes numerous cascades and waterfalls along Cataract Creek and traverses lovely alpine meadows. A potential off-trail connection to Cuba Gulch extends the trip into an overnight backpack.

Elevation Profile

Elevation Profile Cataract Lake Trail

Best Hiking in Southwest Colorado around Ouray, Telluride and Silverton

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Trail Resources

Trail Detail/Full Description / Trail Photo Gallery / Trail Map

Basecamp(s) Information:

Region Information:
Southwest Colorado

Other Hiking Regions in:
Colorado