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Grizzly Lake
The Grizzly Lake road is rough, rocky and considered a difficult route by most 4-wheel enthusiasts. Fishing is considered excellent by anglers with abundant brook trout in the lake and in nearby beaver ponds. A small portion of road passes through private property and visitors must stay on the road and not trespass on private property. Camping is permitted near the lake but visitors are required to camp at least 100 feet from the lakeshore.
The Grizzly Lake road is generally snowed-in until late June.
At a Glance
| Fees: | No fee is charged for this area. |
|---|---|
| Permit Info: | Special use permits are required for all commercial activities including outfitting and guiding. For more information, please contact the Salida Ranger District at 719-539-3591. |
| Usage: | Light-Medium |
| Best Season: | Summer and Fall |
| Busiest Season: | Summer |
| Restrictions: | The road to Grizzly Lake is extremely roughand should only be attempted by experience driver who are proficient at drive 4-wheel drive roads. |
| Closest Towns: | St. Elmo and Buena Vista, Colorado |
| Water: | No potable water |
| Restroom: | No |
| Operated By: | Salida Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:From Nathrop travel west on County Road 162 for about 16 miles to the Grizzly Gulch parking area. The gravel parking lot is located on the left side of the road. Just past the parking area, is the junction with County Road 295. This road bears to the left and travels for about 200 yards to Forest Road 296 located on the left. This road travels up a steep hill and passes through private property. After passing through the private property, the road climbs for about 3 miles to the lake.
Accessibility:
This area is not universally accessible.
Activities
Lake and Pond Fishing
Grizzly Lake is considered to be one of the areas best high lakes for anglers. Fishing is best during the morning hours or if you are camping at the lake try fishing around dusk.
| Status: | Open |
|---|---|
| Open Season: | July-October |
| Permit: | Special use permits are required for all commercial activities including outfitting and guiding. For more information, contact the Salida Ranger District at 719-539-3591. |
| Usage: | Due to lingering snow, this lake is not accessible until late June or sometimes early July. Use during July is high. |
| Best Season: | Summer |
Day Hiking
The hike to Grizzly Lake involving hiking on Forest Road 296. During July and August, this road is busy with many OHV's.
General Info:
AccessibilityThis trail is not universally accessible.
Directions
From Buena Vista, travel south on Hwy 285 for 7 miles to County Road 162 (watch for the sign for Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort). Turn right onto CR 162 and travel west for 16 miles to the junction with Forest Road 295, located just east of the historic townsite of St. Elmo. Turn left onto FR 295 and travel south for approximately .5 miles to the third road on the left and a small parking area. The road to the Iron Chest Mine travels south from the parking area. The Grizzly Lake trail is located directly behind a green gate. The trail travels for about .5 miles to the Ghost House historic site and then continues for another .5 miles where the trail intersects with Forest Road 296. This road leads to the lake.
Parking
Parking is limited to 3 vehicles.
OHV Road Riding
The Grizzly Lake road is one of the area's toughest 4-wheel drive roads. Extreme jeepers love to crawl over the boulders and enjoy the challenge of climbing to this beautiful high-mountain lake.
Fishing at the lake can be good and an overnight camping trip is a great way to enjoy this area.
| Status: | Open |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level: | More Difficult |
Location