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    Hikes/United States/Colorado/San Juan Mountain Range

    Waterdog Lake Trail

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Hard
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    5-7h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    15.3 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    843 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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    The Waterdog Lake Trail is a wonderfully scenic hiking route in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado that will see you traverse a very steep path on the way to a beautiful lake. While out hiking the trail, you will work your way up a series of wide switchbacks through the forest and pass through several charming meadows, before following the banks of Park Creek to the endpoint of the route at Waterdog Lake. Be sure to bring plenty of water for this steep hike, as well as bug spray to protect yourself from the plentiful amount of backcountry insects.

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    Route Description for Waterdog Lake Trail

    Featuring a large amount of elevation gain spread throughout its length, the Waterdog Lake Trail is a tough hiking route that will be sure to get your heartrate up and your legs burning. If you are after a challenging route in the San Juan Mountains that also features gorgeous views, this will definitely be the hike for you.

    Setting out from the trailhead on Hotchkiss Road, you will make your way initially to the northeast along the road, before branching off to the right on a path leading uphill. Here, you will climb uphill through the forest along a series of switchback paths that will also reveal several beautiful meadows.

    Shortly after a viewpoint with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, you will meet up with the banks of Park Creek and follow it to the northeast to arrive at the peaceful shores of Waterdog Lake. take some time here to appreciate the lovely lakeside setting, before heading back down along the same trail to return to the trailhead.

    Getting to the Waterdog Lake Trail Trailhead

    The starting point for the Waterdog Lake Trail can be found at the Waterdog Trail parking area on Hotchkiss Street in Lake City.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      No

    • When to do

      June-October

    • Pets allowed

      Yes

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Waterdog Lake Trail Elevation Graph

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