Waterdog Lakes

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Features Commonly Backpacked · Fishing · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers

Waterdog Lakes is arguably the most popular alpine lake hike close to Salida. This steep, somewhat rugged hike can feel demanding at times, but the beauty of the towering pine forest and the rushing of the stream will help keep your mind off the pain as you climb. Soon, you'll break out into the stunning alpine bowl and reach the shores of the first crystal-clear lake. But keep hiking—there are three different lakes to visit in this basin.

This is also a popular snowshoeing route in the winter.

Thanks to Waterdog Lakes' easy access directly off Monarch Pass / US Highway 50, any car can make it to the trailhead, and it's a quick drive from town. The easy access makes this run extremely popular, and the parking areas can fill up quickly on weekends.

The run follows Waterdog Lakes Trail (#1417), beginning at a well-marked trailhead on the mountainous side of the highway, climbing quickly into the narrow valley alongside a rushing stream. The ascent switchbacks up the valley, but it can still be steep in places, with some loose, rolling rocks and boulders in classic Sawatch style.

If you persevere, you'll eventually reach the first of the Waterdog Lakes. Be sure to enjoy the view, but keep going—this is just the first of three. After reaching the first lake, sometimes the route can get a bit unclear, but the most common way to reach the other two lakes is to pass to the right/north of the first lake, traverse along the east side of the second lake, and then end at the third lake (the smallest).

There is a rugged semblance of a trail that continues beyond the third lake all the way up to the Continental Divide, junctioning with the Continental Divide Trail. That extension is not mapped here, but you may choose to do it for some strenuous bonus miles and the chance to stand on the Divide.

Once you've finished enjoying this stunning alpine lake basin, retrace your steps back down to the highway.