‘Most remote town in the lower 48’ a great spot for a Colorado adventure

By Leslie James March 16, 2021 | updated 5 years ago

1. LocationLake City is the county seat of Hinsdale County and makes the claim to be the most remote area of the lower 48 states. Less than 800 residents live in the county, including less than 375 residents who live in Lake City at an elevation of 8,671 feet above sea level.Photo Credit: Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette.

Lake City might call itself the most remote town in the lower 48 states of the United States, but that’s what makes it the perfect base camp for outdoor recreation adventures in Colorado. Here’s an overview of what Lake City has to offer.

2. Alpine LoopWithin these mountains is a network of dirt roads. One is the Alpine Loop, a route that lives up to its name. The loop consists of both Engineer and Cinnamon mountain passes. The entire loop is about 63 miles within Colorado’s southwest backcountry of the San Juan mountains.Note: Vehicles with high clearance and 4x4 capability are recommended for this drive. Drivers should have confidence in their skills to handle sections that are rocky, steep, and narrow at times. These roads should never be attempted during snowy conditions, and take extreme caution when wet and muddy conditions are present.Photo Credit: Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management (Wikimedia Commons). — 2. Alpine LoopWithin these mountains is a network of dirt roads. One is the Alpine Loop, a route that lives up to its name. The loop consists of both Engineer and Cinnamon mountain passes. The entire loop is about 63 miles within Colorado’s southwest backcountry of the San Juan mountains.Note: Vehicles with high clearance and 4×4 capability are recommended for this drive. Drivers should have confidence in their skills to handle sections that are rocky, steep, and narrow at times. These roads should never be attempted during snowy conditions, and take extreme caution when wet and muddy conditions are present.Photo Credit: Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management (Wikimedia Commons).

3. Slumgullion PassSlumgullion Pass (Highway 149) is Colorado’s steepest-paved mountain pass, connecting Lake City and Creede. The north side has a grade of 9.4 percent, which is the steepest grade of any other paved mountain pass in Colorado.Photo Credit: Sparty1711 (iStock).

4. Slumgullion EarthflowSlumgullion Pass follows the low point of a ridge that drops down to Lake Fork of the Gunnison River. This ridge dammed the river and created Lake San Cristobal, which is Colorado’s second largest natural lake, about 700 years ago. This ridge is a result of an earthflow caused by heavy rains that saturated and washed out weak volcanic rock, ash, and gravel.This massive mudslide carried the southern flank of Mesa Seco several miles down the mountainside. About 350 years ago, a second earthflow started from the top of the mountain and is still moving today at a rate as high as 20 feet per year.Photo Credit: Gena Montgomery.

5. Lake City Ice ParkAt the south end of downtown Lake City, an ice park is formed during the cold months. The town manages the park that includes piped water that sprays down the rocks and forms a gorgeous blue ice wall. Lake City Ice Park is free to the public and features up to 15 routes with up to 100-foot pitches. The park has benches for viewers to watch the ice climbers and a designated fire pit to keep warm.Photo Credit: Leslie James, OutThere Colorado.

6. Lake City Ski Hill and Terrain ParkLake City’s ski hill resembles the early days of Colorado’s snow sports. With just 14 acres, six trails, and one terrain park, Lake City’s ski hill costs $20 for adults and $10 for kids (17 years and under) and rental gear is free. The hill’s one and only Poma lift, which came from Arapahoe Basin in 1996, is the oldest lift in operation in Colorado. Skiers and snowboarders get a 1,000-foot vertical descent down the mountain.Photo Credit: Town of Lake City.

7. OHV RidingLake City is in the spotlight of the San Juans for off-roading adventures. Between Lake City, Silverton, and Ouray is a network of trails for all terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, and more. Read more about the OHV regulations in Lake City. During winter, snowmobilers have multiple access points to the backcountry near Lake City. The winter trail system offers routes through forests or across plateaus.Photo Credit: Larry Lamsa (Flickr).

8. HikingThere are seemingly endless miles of trails to hike in and around Lake City, but one wayfaring journey is arguably the most unique of the area – a hike to the Colorado Cannibal site. The out-and-back trail is about 3 miles (one-way) up Meso Seco with an elevation gain of 1,400 feet. The trail is also open to off-road vehicles, horses, and mountain bikers. Remember to follow the Leave No Trace principles when adventuring in Colorado’s outdoors.Photo Credit: BLM-Colorado (flickr).

9. Hiking (cont.)The site is dedicated to the memory of Alfred Packer, dubbed the Colorado Cannibal, after he and a group of five other men went searching for gold in the early 1870s. After a blizzard rolled in, the men became trapped within the San Juan mountains and ran out of food. According to Packer, one of the men killed the others, then attacked Packer. Acting in self defense, Packer killed his attacker. Packer was left with no other choice but to survive off the meat of his group. Read more about the event here.Photo Credit: BLM-Colorado (flickr).

10. Hiking (cont.)The San Juan mountain range is formed by unique features, like steep, rocky hillsides and alpine glacial lakes that form some of the best waterfalls in Colorado. Because Lake City hides within these mountains, there are many waterfalls to see. Argenta Falls is south of Lake City near Lake San Cristobal. Others include North Clear Creek Falls between Lake City and Creede and Whitmore Falls and Horseshow Falls along Engineer Pass.Photo Credit: wayne stockburger (iStock).

Considering all the historical stories, mountain town characteristics, and ultimate Colorado views, Lake City is a must-visit for those seeking outdoor adventure.

11. Most Remote Brewery?While Lake City claims to be the most remote town, it still offers craft beer. Lake City’s brewery offers a variety of beer styles and a food menu with options like brats, pretzels and cheese, sandwiches, and more.Photo Courtesy Lake City Brewing Company.

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Leslie James

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