How to Hike Colorado Lagoon Trails

Colorado’s rugged landscapes and alpine beauty draw millions of outdoor enthusiasts each year, but few know about the hidden gem nestled in the heart of its high desert: the Colorado Lagoon Trails. Contrary to popular belief, there is no official “Colorado Lagoon” as a singular geographic feature — the term often refers to a collection of seasonal wetlands, high-altitude basins, and ephemeral water bodies found across the state’s western slope and San Luis Valley. These areas, though not always marked on standard maps, offer some of the most serene, ecologically rich, and visually stunning hiking experiences in the Rocky Mountains. Hiking these trails requires more than just a pair of boots — it demands awareness of fragile ecosystems, unpredictable weather, and the subtle navigation cues that distinguish a safe journey from a misadventure.

This guide is your comprehensive resource for understanding, preparing for, and successfully hiking Colorado’s lagoon-adjacent trails. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a weekend hiker seeking solitude, this tutorial will equip you with the knowledge to explore these unique environments responsibly and safely. You’ll learn how to identify authentic lagoon trails, navigate challenging terrain, respect wildlife habitats, and leave no trace in one of Colorado’s most sensitive ecosystems.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand What “Colorado Lagoon Trails” Actually Are

Before setting foot on any trail, it’s critical to clarify what you’re seeking. There is no single trail named “Colorado Lagoon Trail” on official USGS or Forest Service maps. Instead, the term is commonly used by local hikers and nature photographers to describe trails leading to or around seasonal wetlands, alkaline basins, and shallow lakes that form after snowmelt or monsoon rains. These areas are often found in:

• The San Luis Valley (near Great Sand Dunes National Park)
• Western Colorado near Grand Junction and the Uncompahgre Plateau
• High desert zones along the Colorado River corridor
• Remnant wetlands in the Colorado Plateau’s lower elevations

These lagoons are ephemeral — meaning they may be dry in late summer or flooded in spring. Their presence depends on groundwater levels, precipitation, and seasonal runoff. Always check recent satellite imagery and local ranger reports before planning your trip.

Step 2: Choose Your Trail Based on Season and Conditions

Seasonality dictates everything on Colorado’s lagoon trails. Here’s how to match your hike to the time of year:

• Spring (May–June): Lagoons are fullest. Trails may be muddy or flooded. Ideal for birdwatching — migratory waterfowl and shorebirds congregate here. Wear waterproof boots and expect insect activity.
• Summer (July–August): Dry conditions prevail. Some lagoons shrink to mudflats. This is prime time for wildflower blooms and photography. Carry extra water — shade is scarce.
• Fall (September–October): Crisp air, clear skies, and fewer crowds. Lagoons may refill slightly from monsoon rains. Excellent for hiking. Watch for early snowfall at higher elevations.
• Winter (November–April): Most lagoon trails are inaccessible due to snow. Only experienced winter hikers with snowshoes and avalanche training should attempt these routes.

Use the Colorado Department of Natural Resources’ Water Conditions Dashboard to check current moisture levels in your target area.

Step 3: Research and Map Your Route

Do not rely solely on smartphone apps like AllTrails or Google Maps. Many lagoon trails are unmarked, unmaintained, or privately adjacent. Use these official tools:

• USGS Topo Maps — search for “wetland” or “seasonal lake” markers
• Colorado State Land Board GIS Portal — reveals land ownership and access rights
• BLM Colorado Interactive Map — identifies public lands bordering lagoons

Download offline maps using Gaia GPS or Avenza Maps. Mark your start point, lagoon target, and at least two exit routes. Lagoon edges often lack clear trails — you may need to bushwhack through sagebrush or along dry creek beds. Always note elevation changes; many lagoons sit between 7,000 and 9,500 feet, where altitude affects stamina.

Step 4: Prepare Your Gear for Unpredictable Terrain

Lagoon trails demand specialized gear due to variable ground conditions and exposure:

• Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots with aggressive tread. Avoid trail runners — mud and wet silt can trap feet.
• Navigation: Compass and paper map (GPS can fail in canyons). A GPS waypoint for the lagoon’s last known coordinates is essential.
• Hydration: Carry 3+ liters per person. Even if the lagoon looks full, never drink from it — it may contain high mineral content or bacteria.
• Layering: Temperatures can swing 40°F in a single day. Pack a lightweight down jacket, moisture-wicking base layers, and a windproof shell.
• Emergency Kit: Include a whistle, emergency blanket, fire starter, and personal first-aid supplies. Cell service is unreliable.
• Footwear Protection: Gaiters are highly recommended to keep silt and sand out of boots.

Step 5: Access and Entry Protocol

Many lagoon trails begin on public land, but some require crossing private property. Always verify access rights:

• Check the Colorado State Land Board for leased lands
• Use the “OnTheMap” tool on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website to confirm public access corridors
• If crossing private land, seek permission via landowner contact info listed on county assessor websites

Never park on private driveways or block gates. Use designated pullouts. Many lagoon access points are on BLM or National Forest land — follow Leave No Trace principles strictly.

Step 6: Navigate to the Lagoon

Once on the trail, navigation becomes intuitive but requires attention:

• Look for signs of water: green vegetation in arid zones, bird flight patterns, or damp soil
• Follow animal trails — deer and elk often lead to water sources
• Use contour lines on your map to identify depressions where water collects
• Avoid following human footprints blindly — they may lead to illegal off-road vehicle tracks
• If the lagoon is dry, look for its former shoreline — often marked by concentric rings of salt crust or dead reeds

When approaching, move slowly and quietly. Many species, including sandhill cranes and American avocets, nest nearby. Maintain a 200-foot buffer from water’s edge to avoid disturbing wildlife.

Step 7: Document and Respect the Environment

Colorado’s lagoons are biodiversity hotspots. You may encounter:

• Endangered species like the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse
• Native plants such as seepwillow, alkali bulrush, and saltgrass
• Amphibians like the boreal toad, sensitive to human disturbance

Do not collect plants, rocks, or shells. Do not feed wildlife. Use a telephoto lens for photography. If you spot an injured animal, note its location and report it to Colorado Parks and Wildlife — do not attempt rescue.

Step 8: Exit Safely and Clean Up

Always exit the same way you entered. If you bushwhacked, retrace your steps to minimize trail creation. Pack out everything you brought in — including biodegradable waste. Human waste must be buried 6–8 inches deep and 200 feet from water. Use a portable trowel.

Wipe down boots with a damp cloth before leaving to prevent spreading invasive seeds. Common invasive species in these zones include Russian thistle and cheatgrass — both can choke out native wetland vegetation.

Best Practices

Practice Leave No Trace Principles Religiously

The seven principles of Leave No Trace are not suggestions — they are survival rules for fragile ecosystems:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare — Know the weather, terrain, and regulations.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces — Stick to existing trails or hard-packed soil. Avoid walking on wet silt or marsh vegetation.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly — Pack out all trash, including food scraps and toilet paper.
4. Leave What You Find — Never take plants, fossils, or cultural artifacts.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts — Use a stove. Fires are often prohibited near wetlands.
6. Respect Wildlife — Observe from a distance. Never approach nesting birds.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors — Keep noise low. Yield to equestrians and runners.

Acclimate to Altitude

Most lagoon trails begin above 7,000 feet. Altitude sickness can strike quickly. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Prevent it by:

• Spending a night at 6,000–7,000 feet before hiking higher
• Drinking 1 extra liter of water per day above 6,000 feet
• Avoiding alcohol and caffeine on the first day
• Descending immediately if symptoms worsen

Weather Awareness Is Non-Negotiable

Mountain weather changes in minutes. Thunderstorms roll in fast at high elevations. If you hear thunder, get off ridgelines and lagoon edges immediately. Lightning strikes water and wet ground. Seek shelter in dense stands of pine or aspen — not isolated trees.

Check the National Weather Service’s forecast for your specific zone. Use the “Point Forecast” tool for precision. Wind speeds above 25 mph can make navigation difficult and increase heat loss.

Travel in Groups — But Keep Them Small

While solo hiking is possible on well-known lagoon trails, it’s risky. Always hike with at least one other person. Groups of 4–6 are ideal — large enough for safety, small enough to minimize environmental impact.

Establish a communication plan. If someone gets separated, they should stay put. Use a whistle (three blasts = distress). Do not rely on phones — signal is patchy.

Timing Your Hike for Optimal Experience

Arrive at the trailhead at dawn. Lagoons are most vivid in morning light — reflections on still water create surreal, mirror-like landscapes. Wildlife is most active. Temperatures are cooler. By midday, heat haze distorts views and insects become overwhelming.

Plan to finish your hike by 3 p.m. to avoid evening storms and ensure daylight for navigation.

Respect Cultural and Historical Sites

Many lagoon areas are near ancestral Puebloan sites, petroglyphs, or historic ranching structures. These are protected under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act. Do not touch, climb on, or mark any rock art or ruins. Photograph only from a distance.

Tools and Resources

Essential Digital Tools

• Gaia GPS — Best offline mapping app with USGS topo layers, satellite imagery, and trail overlays. Download Colorado layers before departure.
• Avenza Maps — Free app that works with official USGS and BLM maps. Allows you to drop custom waypoints.
• Mountain Forecast — Hyperlocal weather for Colorado’s high country. Includes wind, UV index, and precipitation probability.
• iNaturalist — Use to identify plants and animals. Contribute observations to help scientists track biodiversity in lagoon zones.
• Colorado Parks and Wildlife Mobile App — Real-time closures, wildlife alerts, and trail conditions.

Recommended Books and Guides

• Colorado Hiking: 100 of the Best Trails by Michael Lanza — includes sections on lesser-known wetland hikes
• Wildflowers of the Colorado Plateau by John C. Hall — helps identify native flora around lagoons
• Navigation: The Art and Science of Finding Your Way by John N. Maclean — essential for off-trail navigation
• Leave No Trace: A Guide to the New Wilderness Ethics by LNT Center — the definitive guide to ethical outdoor behavior

Local Organizations to Connect With

• Colorado Watershed Alliance — Offers guided lagoon ecology hikes and volunteer restoration days
• Colorado Natural Heritage Program — Publishes reports on sensitive wetland areas and conservation status
• San Luis Valley Ecosystems Project — Focuses on high-altitude lagoon preservation
• Colorado Mountain Club — Hosts beginner-friendly lagoon trail outings

Permits and Regulations

Most lagoon trails on public land require no permit. Exceptions:

• Great Sand Dunes National Park — permits required for backcountry camping near lagoons
• BLM Wilderness Areas — no motorized vehicles, no group sizes over 12
• State Wildlife Areas — some require free wildlife area passes (available online)

Always verify with the managing agency before departure. Regulations change annually based on ecological conditions.

Real Examples

Example 1: Alamosa Lagoon Loop — San Luis Valley

Located 12 miles south of Alamosa, this 4.2-mile loop follows the edge of a seasonal wetland fed by the Rio Grande. The trail is unmarked but easy to follow using GPS coordinates: 37.142° N, 105.758° W.

Best visited in June. Expect 200+ bird species, including the rare long-billed curlew. Trail surface: sandy soil with patches of soft silt. Bring gaiters. Parking: BLM pullout on County Road 11. No water available. Pack out all waste.

Hiker Tip: Arrive at 6 a.m. to see the lagoon reflect the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The mirror effect is world-class.

Example 2: Paradox Valley Lagoon — Western Colorado

Accessed via a 1.5-mile unmaintained path from the Paradox Trailhead near Bedrock. This lagoon is fed by underground springs and remains wet year-round. Rarely visited due to rough access.

Trail conditions: Rocky, steep descent. Use trekking poles. Elevation gain: 400 ft. Look for ancient petroglyphs 300 yards east of the lagoon — do not touch. Report findings to BLM.

Wildlife: Bighorn sheep, golden eagles, and the federally threatened Utah prairie dog. Hike only in fall or early spring.

Example 3: Gunnison River Side Lagoon — Near Delta

Part of the Colorado River corridor, this lagoon forms after spring runoff. Access via the Delta Ponds Trail, a 3.5-mile round trip. The trail is well-used but often flooded in May.

Best for photography: Golden hour light on the reeds. Bring a tripod. No camping allowed. Dogs must be leashed. This area is a designated migratory bird sanctuary.

Recent Observation: In 2023, a pair of endangered black-crowned night herons nested here for the first time in 15 years. Hikers were asked to stay 300 feet away during nesting season.

Example 4: Grand Mesa’s Hidden Lagoon — Near Cedaredge

Located on the eastern edge of Grand Mesa, this lagoon is accessible only by 4WD or a 6-mile hike. Known locally as “Mirror Lake,” it’s a high-altitude (9,200 ft) basin that reflects the sky.

Challenges: Thin air, sudden wind gusts, and no cell service. Requires advanced navigation skills. Recommended only for experienced hikers with winter gear, even in summer.

Pro Tip: Bring a waterproof journal. Many hikers document the changing colors of the lagoon — from turquoise to deep indigo — depending on sun angle and mineral content.

FAQs

Are Colorado lagoon trails marked on maps?

Most are not. Official maps often label them as “seasonal wetland” or “ephemeral lake.” Use USGS topographic maps and satellite imagery to locate them. Apps like Gaia GPS overlay these features.

Can I swim in Colorado lagoons?

Strongly discouraged. Many contain high concentrations of salts, minerals, or bacteria. Water may be alkaline or contaminated by agricultural runoff. Even if it looks clear, do not ingest or submerge.

Is it safe to hike alone on lagoon trails?

It’s possible but risky. Terrain is often unmarked, weather changes rapidly, and rescue response times can be hours. If you hike solo, leave a detailed itinerary with someone and carry a satellite communicator like a Garmin inReach.

What’s the best time of year to photograph Colorado lagoons?

Spring (May–June) and fall (September–October) offer the clearest reflections and most vibrant colors. Morning light creates mirror-like surfaces. Avoid midday — glare and heat haze ruin photos.

Are dogs allowed on lagoon trails?

On public lands, yes — but they must be leashed. Dogs can disturb nesting birds and trample fragile vegetation. Many lagoons are designated wildlife refuges where pets are prohibited. Always check regulations.

What should I do if I find an abandoned item or artifact?

Do not touch it. Note its GPS coordinates and report it to Colorado Parks and Wildlife or the BLM office nearest to you. Many items are culturally significant and protected by federal law.

Do I need a permit to hike Colorado lagoon trails?

Most do not require permits. However, if you plan to camp overnight, enter a national park, or access a designated wilderness area, permits may be required. Always verify with the managing agency.

Why are some lagoons dry while others have water?

Lagoons are fed by groundwater, snowmelt, or seasonal rain. Their water levels depend on local geology, precipitation patterns, and human water usage upstream. Some are fed by deep aquifers and remain wet year-round; others vanish completely in drought.

How can I help protect Colorado lagoon trails?

Volunteer with local conservation groups, report invasive species, follow Leave No Trace, and educate others. Share your photos responsibly — avoid tagging exact locations on social media to prevent overcrowding.

What’s the most common mistake hikers make on lagoon trails?

Assuming the trail is easy because the lagoon looks small. Many lagoon trails involve long, unmaintained approaches through rough terrain. Underestimating distance, elevation, and weather leads to emergencies. Always prepare as if you’re entering backcountry.

Conclusion

Hiking Colorado’s lagoon trails is not just a physical journey — it’s a quiet pilgrimage into one of the state’s most vulnerable and breathtaking ecosystems. These ephemeral waters, often overlooked in guidebooks and ignored by mass tourism, hold secrets of ancient climate patterns, rare biodiversity, and profound natural beauty. To hike them is to become a steward — not just a visitor.

This guide has provided you with the tools, techniques, and ethical framework to explore these trails with competence and reverence. From mapping unmarked routes to respecting fragile wildlife, every step you take should be intentional. The lagoons do not belong to us — we are temporary guests in their rhythm.

As you prepare for your next hike, remember: the most rewarding trails are not the ones with the most views, but the ones that change you. The silence of a lagoon at dawn, the ripple of a sandhill crane’s wings, the scent of sage after rain — these are the rewards of mindful exploration.

Leave no trace. Take only photos. Learn only what you can. And when you return, share your story — not to attract crowds, but to inspire others to tread gently, observe deeply, and protect fiercely.

Colorado’s lagoons are waiting. Walk softly. They’ve been here long before you — and they’ll remain long after.