Clohesy Lake

4.8/5 (28 reviews)
Buena Vista, Colorado (Chaffee County)
Last Updated: 05/30/2022

Trail Information

Highlights

The Clohesy Lake Trail is one of the few remaining roads with access to the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area. The trail follows the Lake Fork Valley and ends within walking distance of Clohesy Lake. Once a private lake that was the fish hatchery site in the late 1880s, it has now been returned to the Forest Service and is part of public land. The lake is situated in Lake Fork Valley between Mt. Missouri (14,075') and Mt. Huron(14,003'). The views are spectacular, and the fishing is equally as impressive. This area also offers access to several popular hiking trails. Please stay on the road to avoid causing damage to the area and help us keep this trail open!

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.8/5 (28)
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 10/01/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Water at the river was half way up my tires (15-17"?) but we went slow and steady in my stock '18 Wrangler Sahara - once out past the water it was a calm trail through the forest and well worth the 2+- mile drive to the lake where the weather turned and there was a little snow. Aspen changing colors, sun, rain & snow made for a great afternoon adventure.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 06/24/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

I did not take this trail on but wanted to provide a picture of the rock climb out of the second water crossing, we walked this a ways but didn't have the time to do this trail. Water shallow at this time and the second crossing was not moving to fast. Defiantly on my list to tackle as lake looks awesome.
Official Crew
30100
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 05/30/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Trail is fully open for summer!
Open
Visited: 10/07/2021

****** has dammed the first water crossing.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/25/2021
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Had some difficulty with this trail a year ago, particularly climbing out of the creek (see 9/30/20 trail review). Upgraded my ride since then, and the rear locker on the newer 4Runner made the creek-exit obstacle a non-issue. Still enough of a challenge to keep it interesting. Hungry little brookies at the south end of the lake. And yes the dirt county road leading to the trailhead seems to not be maintained anymore shortly after passing the reservoir. Enough of an annoyance that we stayed aired-down for that section on the way out. Even so this has become one of my favorite trails in the area.

From the Community

Start a free trial and get this level of detail on every trail guide
Start Free Trial