Colorado · Hiking · South San Juan Wilderness · Near South Fork

Crater Lake

6.0 mi
round trip
1,480 ft
climb
12,079 ft
high point
Out and back
route

Is Crater Lake open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in San Juan National Forest. It doesn't name Crater Lake, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · San Juan National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Crater Lake is a 6-mile out-and-back hike in the South San Juan Wilderness, within the Pagosa Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest in Colorado. The trail gains about 1,480 feet, climbing from a low point of about 10,911 feet to a high of roughly 12,079 feet, and is rated moderate. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail surface is natural, with horses allowed. The trip starts at the Crater Lake parking area, and the route's length and climb make it a straightforward outing for a day in the wilderness. Hot Creek Stock Dr. and Treasure Creek are both about 2.4 miles away, and Bonito Pass is about 4 miles off. For an overnight base, Stunner Campground is about 5.8 miles away. Mix Lake Campground, about 7.7 miles away, and the paddling on Park Creek and the East Fork San Juan River, about 7.2 miles away, round out the options nearby.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Elwood Cabin

    Campground

    Sites open the weekend of Dec 18 on Recreation.gov
  • Eat after

    Ramon's Mexican Restaurant

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 18 mi

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More in South Fork

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.