Everyone knows that Colorado has some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the country via our majestic mountains, perfect plains, and jaw-dropping vistas, but did you know that we also boast lakes with some of the bluest water imaginable? Take, for example, this hidden body of water in Colorado that may just be the bluest we have ever seen:
Welcome to the simply stunning Columbine Lake!
AllTrails/Sylvia B
Tucked away in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton, Columbine Lake is a small yet mighty body of water that boasts some of the most turquoise water in the Centennial State.
AllTrails/Alex Wick
As if the glistening blue water was not beautiful enough on its own, it is also surrounded by a pristine meadow full of lush foliage and colorful wildflowers, making for an even more unbelievable sight.
AllTrails/Lauren Bell
Need we mention that Columbine Lake is also a must-visit for all things water sports (especially trout fishing)?
AllTrails/Curt Weber
Due to the high elevation and steep hills of both Columbine Lake and the surrounding trail, the hike is deemed difficult and should be treaded with caution.
AllTrails/Sylvia B
Access to Columbine Lake is located 57 miles north of Durango on Hwy 550 via Ophir Pass Road. Once you’re on Ophir Pass Road, take it across Mineral Creek and turn right, where you will find a parking area and access to the trailhead.
AllTrails/Dana Ciccotello
Columbine Lake is opened year-round but is best used between late spring and early fall.
AllTrails/Jon Pilling
To learn more about beautiful Columbine Lake, please visit the U.S. Forest Service’s website.
AllTrails/Casey Jonewaard
Do you have a favorite place that you would like to see featured on Only in Colorado? Nominate it here! For even more of our favorite beautifully blue Centennial State lakes, check out You’ll Want To Visit This One Gorgeous U.S. Lake That’s As Blue As The Sky.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Columbine Lake, Colorado 80447, USA
Welcome to the simply stunning Columbine Lake!
AllTrails/Sylvia B
Tucked away in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton, Columbine Lake is a small yet mighty body of water that boasts some of the most turquoise water in the Centennial State.
AllTrails/Alex Wick
As if the glistening blue water was not beautiful enough on its own, it is also surrounded by a pristine meadow full of lush foliage and colorful wildflowers, making for an even more unbelievable sight.
AllTrails/Lauren Bell
Need we mention that Columbine Lake is also a must-visit for all things water sports (especially trout fishing)?
AllTrails/Curt Weber
Due to the high elevation and steep hills of both Columbine Lake and the surrounding trail, the hike is deemed difficult and should be treaded with caution.
AllTrails/Sylvia B
Access to Columbine Lake is located 57 miles north of Durango on Hwy 550 via Ophir Pass Road. Once you’re on Ophir Pass Road, take it across Mineral Creek and turn right, where you will find a parking area and access to the trailhead.
AllTrails/Dana Ciccotello
Columbine Lake is opened year-round but is best used between late spring and early fall.
AllTrails/Jon Pilling
To learn more about beautiful Columbine Lake, please visit the U.S. Forest Service’s website.
AllTrails/Casey Jonewaard
Do you have a favorite place that you would like to see featured on Only in Colorado? Nominate it here! For even more of our favorite beautifully blue Centennial State lakes, check out You’ll Want To Visit This One Gorgeous U.S. Lake That’s As Blue As The Sky.
AllTrails/Sylvia B
AllTrails/Alex Wick
AllTrails/Lauren Bell
AllTrails/Curt Weber
AllTrails/Dana Ciccotello
AllTrails/Jon Pilling
AllTrails/Casey Jonewaard
