Top 14 Lakes in Gunnison County

Gunnison County offers excellent fishing opportunities. Blue Mesa Reservoir is renowned for Kokanee salmon and large lake trout. Taylor Park Reservoir is great for mackinaw, pike, and various trout, with the Taylor River below the dam famous for rainbow trout. Spring Creek Reservoir allows anglers to catch rainbow, brown, cutthroat trout, and Kokanee salmon. For a more secluded experience, Lost Lake and Lake Slough in the Lost Lakes area are stocked with rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout, while Dollar Lake has wild trout.

Several lakes in Gunnison County are family-friendly. Blue Mesa Reservoir offers extensive recreational activities like boating and hiking. Lake Irwin is a popular spot with camping, fishing, and restrooms, and features a flatter nature trail around the lake. Lizard Lake is a small, accessible lake near an old forest service road. Beaver Lake is also a large, popular lake where swimming and fishing are possible.

Yes, Spring Creek Reservoir offers a more tranquil experience as motorized boats are prohibited. This makes it an ideal spot for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing. The Lost Lakes area (Lost Lake, Dollar Lake, and Lake Slough) also permits only non-motorized boating.

You'll find a variety of hiking trails near the lakes. Near Blue Mesa Reservoir, you can explore trails like the Dillon Pinnacles. Lake Irwin offers both challenging singletrack trails in the mountains and a flatter nature trail around the lake. The Lost Lakes area is known for trails like the popular Three Lakes Trail. For more options, you can explore various hiking routes in the region, including easy hikes like the Emerald Lake Trail or more challenging ones like the Dark Canyon, Irwin and Dyke Trail Loop, by visiting our guide to Hiking in Gunnison County.

For wildflowers, the Lost Lakes area is particularly stunning in late July through early August when regional wildflowers are in peak bloom. If you're interested in fall foliage, Peanut Lake near Crested Butte is known for its vibrant autumn colors, making it a great spot for hiking and mountain biking during that season.

In winter, Blue Mesa Reservoir transforms into a popular spot for ice fishing and ice skating. Taylor Park Reservoir also sees a lot of ice fishing activity during the colder months.

Yes, there are several cycling opportunities. Peanut Lake near Crested Butte is excellent for mountain biking. You can also find road cycling routes that pass by or near some of the lakes, such as the 'Almont to Taylor Park Reservoir' route. For more detailed cycling routes, check out our guide to Road Cycling Routes in Gunnison County.

Waterfront camping is available at Blue Mesa Reservoir. Lake Irwin also provides camping facilities. The Lost Lakes area is particularly well-suited for camping, offering a more secluded experience.

Gunnison County lakes are surrounded by diverse natural features. Blue Mesa Reservoir is characterized by dramatic mesas and is where the Gunnison River rests before flowing through the Black Canyon. Lake Irwin beautifully reflects the Elk Mountains and alpine landscapes, with abundant wildflowers in summer. The Lost Lakes area offers jaw-dropping views and stunning regional wildflowers. Emerald Lake provides stunning mountain views, and Henry Lake is known for its clear, blue-green waters.

Yes, Henry Lake is an alpine lake often visited as an overnight backpacking trip due to its strenuous hike. Emerald Lake is also accessible by a high-clearance, 4x4 vehicle and then a short hike, offering a more remote experience.

Taylor Park Reservoir has a marina that offers rentals and supplies, making it convenient for boaters and visitors. The surrounding area is popular for fishing and boating.

Swimming is possible in some lakes. Beaver Lake is a popular spot for swimming, though the water can be cold. Lake Irwin is also a popular destination for swimming.