Cataract Lake

Distance: 4.2 - 10.0 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: 10.0 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 ascends steeply up Cataract Gulch to a pretty lake basin and then climbs to the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). Along the way the trail travels through dense woods, passes numerous cascades and waterfalls along Cataract Creek and wanders through lovely alpine meadows. Extend the hike by following a section of the CDT toward Cuba Gulch.

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:
Lake City

Region Information:
Southwest Colorado

Other Hiking Regions in:
Colorado