Navajo Lake (635)
Located within the Lizard Head Wilderness, Navajo Lake trail (635) crosses open meadows, spruce-fir forests, and a series of very steep switchbacks before reaching Navajo Lake. Navajo Lake is small high elevation lake sitting at 11,154 ft. The trail continues past the lake and climbs in elevation until it reaches timberline and the Silver Peak/Navajo Basin Crest.
This trail is a popular destination for those wishing to climb the three 14ers in the area. This trailhead offers access to Groundhog Stock Trail (634), Kilpacker Trail (203), Woods Lake Trail (406), and Kilpacker Basin Trail (157) providing access to other portions of the Lizard Head Wilderness as well as opportunities for loop hikes.
Kilpacker Trail leads into the Lizard Head Wilderness, therefore all wilderness restrictions apply. Only primitive forms of travel – foot travel and stock animals - are allowed on all trails within the wilderness. Motorized vehicles and mechanized transportation, such as hang gliders, bicycles, dirt bikes, carts, etc. are not allowed. Drones are also prohibited. Please keep in mind that there is no winter maintenance on roads or trails. Check out the Kilpacker & Navajo map for more details.
Distance (one-way): 7.3 mi (4.5 mi to lake)
Beginning Elevation: 9,342 ft
Ending Elevation: 12,994 ft (11,154 ft at lake)
Please note: If you travel into Navajo Basin, there are special regulations you must follow.
- Camping is limited to existing sites. Please, camp out of sight and sound of others.
- Campfires are prohibited.
- If you choose to camp outside Navajo Basin, camping must be at least 100ft from water (~50 adult steps).
- If you choose to make a fire outside of the Navajo Basin, please use existing fire rings or preferably use a camp stove instead.
- Remember to pack out all your trash, including food scraps such as orange peels and apple cores.
- It is recommended that you boil drinking water or use purification filters. Water that appears to be crystal clear and clean can be infected with harmful bacteria.
- To help keep water pure, conduct all activities, including washing yourself and dishes, at least 100 feet from water sources.
At a Glance
Restrictions: | Navajo Lake trail leads into the Lizard Head Wilderness area. Regulations include:
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Closest Towns: | Dolores, CO |
Water: | Available. Purification recommended. |
Restroom: | None. Practice Leave No Trace. |
Information Center: | Dolores Ranger District Office |
General Information
Directions:From the Dolores Public Lands Office on Hwy 184 turn right onto Hwy 145 N heading into the town of Dolores. Continue 44.7 mi to the second entrance to Dunton Road (Rd/FS 535). Turn left and continue 8.7 mi. to Navajo Lake trailhead. The trailhead is located approximately three miles from Dunton 1 mi North of Burro Bridge Campground.
Parking:
15 parking spaces