Colorado · Hiking · Near Pitkin

Mill Lake

3.3 mi
round trip
1,220 ft
climb
11,485 ft
high point
Out and back
route

Caution today

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

Is Mill 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 Mill 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.

Mill Lake is a moderate out-and-back hike in Colorado's Gunnison Ranger District, part of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. The trail is about 3.3 miles long, with a one-way elevation gain of 1,220 feet, taking you from a low point of about 10,270 feet to a high of about 11,485 feet. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trailhead parking is named Mill Lake, with the trail open year-round. The route is natural-surfaced and allows horses, but not bikes. That makes it a good fit for riders on horseback, and the trail's moderate grade suits a day of steady climbing rather than a quick outing. The trail sits close to several other destinations. Fossil Ridge is just 0.3 miles away, and Gold Creek Campground is 0.4 miles off. The Gold Creek Trail and Lower Lamphier Lake are both within about a mile.

Around this trail

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

    Gold Creek Campground

    Campground

    Campground · 0.4 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Powerstop

    Restaurant

    Open after 6
  • If it rains

    Waunita Pass

    Viewpoint

    Viewpoint · 6.8 mi from Pitkin

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