Lake City Colorado Tourism

Lake City lies on two scenic roads, the Silver Thread Scenic and Historic Byway (paved) and the Alpine Loop Back Country Byway (graded and portions 4-wheel drive only), both of which traverse some of the wildest territory in Colorado.

Both Byways offer superb views of Lake City’s namesake, Lake San Cristobal, Southwest Colorado’s largest natural lake. The lake was formed by an internationally famous geologic feature called the Slumgullion Earthflow, which dammed up the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River 700 years ago.

Lake City itself contains the state’s largest National Historic District and features over 75 Victorian homes and other structures primarily from the 1870s and 1880s when Lake City was a booming silver camp.

The mining days may be re-lived through taking a leisurely, self-guided Historic District Walking Tour. Jeepers will enjoy a trip to the ghost town of Carson on the Continental Divide not far from Lake City.

Outdoor recreation and Lake City go hand-in-hand. In the summer, many people make the jeep trip high above the tree line to Cinnamon and Engineer Passes, or hike the trail to 14,309 ft. Uncompahgre Peak, one of five “Fourteeners” in the area. Fishermen especially enjoy fly-fishing for four species of trout on 220 miles of surrounding streams, including The Lake Fork of the Gunnison River.

In the winter, snowmobiling on over 125 miles of groomed trails maintained by the Lake City Continental Divide Snowmobile Club is extremely popular, and the Hinsdale Haute Route offers “yurt to yurt” back country skiing.

Throughout the year, Lake City hosts numerous special events geared toward family fun, including the Fourth of July, the Arts and Crafts Festival, and the Lake City Wine & Music Festival.

Numerous lodges, resorts and bed and breakfasts offer fine accommodations for visitors to the county where the elk out number the people.

Baptist Church, Lake City