Where is Slide Lake?
Usa, north-america
7.7 km
3,575 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so you're headed to Slide Lake in Colorado? Awesome choice! Picture this: you're just north of Leadville, smack-dab in the heart of Colorado's San Isabel National Forest.
First things first: ditch the sedan. You'll be tackling Forest Road 145, a completely unpaved adventure that demands a 4x4. Trust me on this one.
The road clocks in at just under 5 miles. You’ll gain about 1,570 feet in elevation, so yeah, it’s a climb! The average incline is around 6%, so expect some steady uphill action.
Along the way, keep an eye out for a parking area on the right. You can spot a 10th Mountain Division Hut nestled in the trees on the left. This is a cool piece of history honoring the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division.
The road winds onward through some seriously dense forest before ending at the Slide Lake Trailhead. There's a picnic table, a dispersed campsite, and parking spots scattered among the trees. From there, it’s a leisurely half-mile hike to the lake.
Keep in mind: this road is typically only open from July to October. Colorado snows are no joke! So plan your trip accordingly for the best views and safest travels.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 7.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,575 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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