Clear Lake is situated in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, across Hiway 550 near the town of Silverton. The lake is known for its stunning alpine beauty, surrounded by rugged mountain peaks and lush forests. The water is often a vibrant blue-green, reflecting the sky and the surrounding landscape.
The roads to the lake are mostly two easy gravel roads, except for the last .7 miles where the road narrows and becomes steep. There is no issue with your 4-wheel drive Jeep. In total, the one-way drive is only a bit over 8 miles, but it is very much worth it.
The area around South Mineral Campground would also be worth some exploration. We learned later there is a waterfall only ¼ mile from the campground.
Map of the Ouray-based trails.
Before It Gets Steep
CO Hiways 7 / 585 to Clear Lake Trail
July Wildflowers
Clear Lake Trail
Fork in the Road
Right and up, up, up to Clear Lake, but first one photograph of South Fork Mineral Creek.
Iron Oxide
Possible indication of the presence of abandoned mining operations in the area.
Cascades Along Clear Lake Trail
High Above the Trail to Get Here
Mountain Scenery
. . . and our red Jeep
Clear Lake
Almost surrounded by mountains, with lake runoff at the lower right.
July Wildflowers
From the runoiff
Strolling Down the Runoff
Flanked by flowers.
July Wildflowers
Clear Lake
Clear Lake Mountains
Please exit to your right.