Why Clear Lake Is Crystal-Clear Colorado Mountain Magic

Colorado is home to thousands of mountain lakes and reservoirs around the state, many with water so pure it looks like a liquid mirror reflecting their alpine surroundings up at that big blue sky overhead.

Have you ever visited a mountain lake under the Rocky Mountain sun where every stone on the lakebed is visible beneath the surface? Keep scrolling to check out one hidden gem in the San Juan Mountains that many are calling Colorado’s clearest lake in 2025.

Visiting One Of Colorado's Clearest Lakes

The Adventure Collective, and many others, have named Clear Lake near Silverton, Colorado, as one of the state’s cleanest lakes you can visit in 2025. The lake is found in the San Juan Mountains about 11 miles outside of Silverton. Forest Service roads can take you there in about 45 minutes in a high-clearance vehicle.

From US 550 north of Silverton, take Co Rd 7/Forest Rd 585 to Clear Lake Road. After a mile, turn right to stay on Clear Lake Road. Continue for another 3.5 miles to reach the lake.

Why Clear Lake Stands Out

Read More: September Fire Watch: Western Colorado Wildfire Update

What keeps many of Colorado’s alpine lakes so crystal clear? It is usually the lack of visitors. The emerald waters at Clear Lake stay icy cold at 11,000 feet. The thin air slows algae growth and helps to keep the water crystal clear. While places like Hanging Lake or Crater Lake are just as clear, Clear Lake is seldom crowded, and you don’t need a reservation.

Ways To Enjoy Clear Lake

Clear Lake allows non-motorized watercraft like canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards, but swimming is NOT allowed. The lake offers about 1 mile of shoreline with a surface area of around 33.50 acres. The popular Ice Lakes/Island Lake hiking trail is not far from Clear Lake Road, so you are likely to see others enjoying the area.

Get our free mobile app