Colorado · Hiking

Thompson Lake

0.4 mi
round trip
60 ft
climb
9,977 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Sep
best months

Is Thompson 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 Thompson 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.

Thompson Lake is an easy out-and-back hike of about 0.35 miles in the Gunnison Ranger District of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests in Colorado. The trail rises about 60 feet from a low point of 9,924 feet to a high point of 9,977 feet, which makes it a short walk that is easy to fit into a day exploring the surrounding area. The route is on natural surface, and the Forest Service allows both horses and bikes. Parking is at the Crystal Larson trailhead, which stays open year-round. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Lake City run to highs around 74 to 77°F in June and July, though that station sits well below the trail, so temperatures up here run cooler. Winters are cold, with January highs near 31°F. Crystal Lake and Larson Lakes are both about 0.4 miles away. Elkhorn RV Resort and Henson Creek RV Park are each within about a mile and a half.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · Jun–Sep

    Best time to visit Thompson Lake

    Best months: June–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      31° / -1°

    2. Feb

      36° / 4°

    3. Mar

      43° / 15°

    4. Apr

      51° / 23°

    5. May

      62° / 30°

    6. Jun

      74° / 38°

    7. Jul

      77° / 44°

    8. Aug

      75° / 43°

    9. Sep

      68° / 36°

    10. Oct

      57° / 25°

    11. Nov

      43° / 13°

    12. Dec

      31° / 1°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Lake City 1nne, CO, 1.2 mi away at 8,714 ft. The station sits about 1,300 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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