Colorado · Hiking · West Elk Wilderness

Costo Lake

3.7 mi
round trip
329 ft
climb
9,944 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Aug
best months

Is Costo Lake open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. It doesn't name Costo Lake, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Costo Lake is a 3.7-mile out-and-back hike in the West Elk Wilderness, part of the Gunnison Ranger District of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests in Colorado. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is rated moderate with a one-way climb of about 330 feet, from a low point of 9,664 feet to a high of 9,944 feet. The trail is on natural surface, and horses are allowed. Bikes are not. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from the nearby Crested Butte weather station, which sits about 1,000 feet lower, show July highs around 76°F with lows near 40°F. Winter is harsh, with January highs in the mid-20s and lows below zero. The Lowline and Castle Pass hikes both start about 0.4 miles away. Mill Castle, a mountain biking area, is 0.8 miles off. For an overnight stay, Kebler Pass Camping Area is about 7 miles away.