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Highland Mary Lakes - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Lake/ River/ Ponds
Outdoors - Other
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About Highland Mary Lakes

The Highland Mary Lakes are a group of three high-altitude lakes located in San Juan County. The lakes are situated at an elevation of 12,600 feet, and they are surrounded by mountain peaks that rise to even greater heights. The lakes are fed by snowmelt and runoff from the surrounding mountains, and they are home to a variety of fish, including cutthroat trout. It is a popular destination for hikers, fishermen, and nature lovers, and they offer spectacular views of the surrounding Rockies.
Address : Highland Mary Lakes, Colorado 81433, USA

Things to Do at Highland Mary Lakes

Nestled in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado, the Highland Mary Lakes offer a pristine wilderness experience for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With several hiking trails leading to clear alpine lakes, the area is a popular destination for fishing, camping, and picnicking. For those looking for a more challenging adventure, the nearby 13ers provide ample opportunity for backpacking and scrambling. In addition, the area is home to an abundance of wildlife, including mule deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. Whether you're looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, the Highland Mary Lakes have something to offer everyone.


Top Activities Near Highland Mary Lakes

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History of Highland Mary Lakes

The Highland Mary Lakes are a group of three lakes in San Juan County, Colorado. The lakes are located in the high country of the San Juan Mountains, at an elevation of over 12,000 feet. The Highland Mary Lakes are named for the wife of early explorer James P. Bradford, who was one of the first to document the lakes in 1874. Bradford named the largest lake after his wife, and the two smaller lakes were named for their daughters. The Highland Mary Lakes have long been popular with backpackers and fishermen, who come to enjoy the spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife. Today, the lakes are protected as part of the San Juan National Forest, and they remain a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers from all over the world.


Best Time to Visit Highland Mary Lakes

While the lakes are accessible year-round, the best time to visit is from late June to early October. This is when the weather is warmest and driest, offering hikers ideal conditions for exploring the area.The lakes themselves are also at their fullest during this time, making for spectacular scenery. 


Tips for Visiting Highland Mary Lakes

  1. The best time to visit Highland Mary Lakes is in the summer when the snow has melted and the temperatures are warm.
  2. Make sure to bring plenty of water, as there is no potable water available at the lakes.
  3. Pack insect repellent, as there can be mosquitoes and other biting insects present.
  4. Although the lakes are located in a remote area, there are still some basic amenities available. There is a small campground near the lakes, as well as a few picnic tables and outhouses.
  5. The best way to enjoy the lakes is to take a hike around them. There are several trails that wind through the wilderness area surrounding the lakes.
  6. Please respect the fragile environment of the lakes - don't litter or disturb any plants or animals you see.
  7. If you’re lucky enough to see one, don’t get too close to the resident elk herd – they can be aggressive if they feel threatened. 

Interesting Facts and Trivias About Highland Mary Lakes

  1. The highest of the three lakes is Blue Lake, which has a depth of 30 feet. The middle lake is called Rainbow Lake, and it is 20 feet deep.
  2. The smallest and shallowest lake is Green Lake, which has a depth of just 10 feet.
  3. The lakes are stocked with trout every year, and they also support a healthy population of native fish species.
  4. The area around the lakes is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, bears, and mountain lions.
  5. The views from the lakes are truly breathtaking - on a clear day, you can see for miles in all directions.
  6. The views from the lakes include several 14ers, peaks that surpass 14,000 feet in elevation. 

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at Highland Mary Lakes

The maximum time required to explore all three lakes is approximately six hours. This includes time for hiking, swimming, and enjoying the views. 


How to Reach Highland Mary Lakes

To reach the lakes, take Highway 550 north from Durango for about 25 miles. Then turn west onto County Road 380 and follow it for about 5 miles. The lakes are located just off the road, and there is a small parking area where you can leave your car. From the parking area, it is a short hike to the lakes. 


Entrance Fee of Highland Mary Lakes

No, there is no entrance fee to explore Highland Mary Lakes. However, parking at the trailhead costs $5 per vehicle per day.


Opening Hours of Highland Mary Lakes

The lakes are open to the public from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. During these months, the lakes are open from sunrise to sunset. The lakes are also open to the public during the winter months, but only on weekends and holidays. The winter hours are from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.


Attractions Near Highland Mary Lakes

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Stony PassStony Pass is a high mountain pass located in San Juan County. The pass is located on the Continental Divide, at an elevation of 12,700 feet. The pass provides access to the San Juan Mountains from the east. The pass is traversed by a gravel road and is popular with off-road vehicles and mountain bikes. There are several camping areas and trailheads located in the vicinity of the pass. In the late 19th century, it became the route of a stagecoach road and later the Silverton Northern Railway.
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Animas CanyonAnimas Canyon is a scenic canyon located in San Juan County, Colorado. The canyon is home to a variety of plant and animal life, and it is a popular destination for hiking and camping. The Animas River flows through the canyon, and there are numerous hiking trails that wind along the river. The canyon is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. In addition to its natural beauty, Animas Canyon also has a rich history.
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Old Hundred Gold Mine The Old Hundred Gold Mine is located in San Juan County, Colorado. The mine is a former underground gold mine that operated from 1872 to 1991. The mine is now a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can take tours of the underground tunnels and see the equipment used in the mining process. The Old Hundred Gold Mine is also home to a museum, which displays artifacts from the mining era. The mine is open to the public from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
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Vallecito LakeVallecito Lake is a gorgeous lake located in San Juan county. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. The lake is fed by the Vallecito River and is surrounded by mountains, forests, and meadows. There are plenty of activities to enjoy at Vallecito Lake, including fishing, swimming, hiking, and camping. The lake is also a popular destination for boating and kayaking.Whether you're looking for a place to enjoy some peace and quiet or an adventure-filled getaway.
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Trinity PeaksTrinity Peaks is located in the San Juan County. This area is well known for its rugged and scenic mountains, and Trinity Peaks is no exception. The peaks themselves are made up of three distinct summits: South Peak, North Peak, and West Peak. Together, they form a challenging and picturesque hike that draws visitors from all over the world. However, it should be noted that Trinity Peaks is not for the faint of heart; the hike is strenuous and the terrain is often slippery and unstable.
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D&SNG Silverton BridgeThe Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad's Silverton Bridge is a steel truss bridge that spans the Animas River in San Juan County, Colorado. The bridge was built in 1893 to connect the town of Silverton with the rest of the D&RGW railroad network. At the time of its completion, it was the highest railroad bridge in the world, with a height of 365 feet above the river. Today, the Silverton Bridge is still an important part of the D&RGW network, carrying both freight and passenger trains.

Discover More Attractions in San Juan County, Home of Highland Mary Lakes

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San Juan County
San Juan County, located in the southwest corner of Colorado, is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. The county is home to several popular National Parks and Monuments, including Mesa Verde National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and Hovenweep National Monument. In addition, the San Juan Mountains offer ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing. Thanks to its abundant natural beauty, San Juan County is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Colorado. In fact, the county w

Location of Highland Mary Lakes


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