Colorado · Hiking

East Three Lakes

0.2 mi
round trip
12 ft
climb
9,631 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Aug
best months

Caution today

Agency alerts are in effect for this area; weather is good · USFS, OpenWeather · checked 2 h ago

Is East Three Lakes open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. It doesn't name East Three Lakes, 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.

East Three Lakes is a short, easy hike in the Paonia Ranger District of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests in Colorado, managed by the Forest Service. The trail is about 0.2 miles long, with a one-way climb of just 12 feet, so it's a quick stop rather than a full-day outing. The route is natural-surfaced and open to both horses and bikes, which makes it a flexible option for riders and pack animals. The trail is an out-and-back, and the elevation change is minimal, with the high point at about 9,631 feet and the low at about 9,620 feet. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from the nearby Crested Butte weather station show July highs around 76°F with lows near 40°F, while winter highs stay in the mid-20s. Several other destinations sit about 0.3 miles away, including Beckwith Pass, Lost Lake Campground and Three Lakes Campground. Ruby Anthracite Creek, a canoeing spot, is about 2.3 miles off.

Local outfitters

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