Lower/Upper Slate Lakes #65

Lower and Upper Slate Lakes #65 are two alpine lakes in the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area of the Gore Range, within the Dillon Ranger District of Colorado's White River National Forest. The Forest Service manages the land, and the lakes sit in the lower part of the Slate Creek drainage, where open sagebrush meadows and Aspen groves give way to the creek and a trail that climbs steadily toward both lakes. Because the lakes are a fair distance from the trailhead, most visitors plan for a backpacking trip that allows them to spend multiple days in the area. A day visit is possible, but it will take up a full day. A printable Recreation Quicksheet covers directions, a map and other details for the trail. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Dillon show July highs around 75°F with lows near 38°F, while winter highs stay around freezing. The Slate Creek Trail starts just 0.1 mile away, and Kirkwood Ditch Access is about a mile off. Blue River Campground, roughly 4 miles away, offers a place to stay, and Upper Cataract Lake #63 is about 7 miles away for more fishing.