Navajo Lake Trail
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Navajo Lake Trail
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Hiking the Navajo Lake Trail is an amazing experience in the San Juan Mountains that will lead you uphill for some of the most beautiful alpine views in Colorado. While out on the trail, you will hike alongside the banks of the West Dolores River, climbing uphill into an alpine basin that offers stunning views of Navajo Lake and the surrounding mountains of the Lizard Head Wilderness area. While the elevation gain can be a bit tough for beginner hikers to handle, the gorgeous views are absolutely worth the effort.
Getting there
The Navajo Lake Trailhead can be found along Dunton Road, just 1.4mi north of the Burro Bridge Campground.
About
| Backcountry Campground | No |
| When to do | June-September |
| Pets allowed | Yes |
| Family friendly | Older Children only |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | High |
| Route Type | Out and back |
Navajo Lake Trail
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Navajo Lake Trail Description
If you enjoy putting in a hard day’s work of uphill hiking in order to enjoy breathtaking views of alpine scenery, then the Navajo Lake Trail will be the perfect route for you. The 2090ft of elevation gain along this route will certainly provide a good leg burn, but if you take your time and pace yourself, you will be rewarded with gorgeous alpine views of the Lizard Head Wilderness Area.
Setting out from the trailhead, you will make your way to the northeast and almost immediately enter into the dense cover of the forest. Here, you will pass through peaceful meadows and the tranquil atmosphere of the woodland terrain, as you make your way uphill alongside the winding banks of the West Dolores River.
Eventually, you will break free of the forest and arrive at the edge of a stunning alpine basin within the Lizard Head Wilderness Area. Following along the river as it heads east, you will quickly come to the serene shores of Navajo Lake and enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains. After spending some time by the lake, make your way back downhill through the forests and meadows to return to the trailhead.
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