Last stocked
September 4, 2026
Plants on record
3
Species recorded
0
Elevation
11,629 ft
Access and facts
- Water type
- high alpine
- Nearest town
- Crestone
- Boat ramp
- No
Remote high-alpine lake at roughly 11,500 feet, accessed only by foot or horseback from the North Crestone trailhead. No road, boat ramp, or developed facility of any kind: no restrooms, no potable water, no dock.
Sources: water_type , access.boat_ramp , shore_notes , nearest_town , fishing_notes , watch_outs , angler_notes
Fishing San Isabel Lake
San Isabel Lake is a small, high-alpine lake in Saguache County, Colorado, and it is a backcountry destination reached only on foot or horseback. The lake offers cutthroat trout, being native Rio Grande cutthroat country. The connecting North Crestone drainage also holds brook trout. The U.S. Forest Service lists fishing as a main draw at this quiet, clear cirque lake.
Sources: coloradolakes.org
What to watch for
Anglers face a long, strenuous approach, roughly 11 miles round trip with 3,400 feet of elevation gain. Expect high elevation with risk of altitude effects, frequent summer afternoon thunderstorms, and cold nights. There are no facilities, potable water, or cell service. Snow can linger into early summer.
What anglers say
According to the U.S. Forest Service, fishing is listed as one of the main draws at San Isabel Lake.
Species stocked here
No species recorded here yet.