Ghost town of Alta and three lakes.
How to get there:
From SH 145/SH 145 S, drive 5.3 mi south to the Alta Lakes Rd and turn east.
- From Telluride
- 9 miles 20 mins
- GPS
- SH 145/FR 632
- 37.8839 -107.8883
In General:
- Length: 5 miles
- Driving Time: min. 30 mins
This slightly rough, but easy 4wd road leads to the 1870s mining town of Alta (on the National Register of Historic Places) in 3.8 miles. Another 0.4 miles takes you to a spur road into the Gold King Basin and the Alta Lakes are just 0.3 miles beyond the spur.
Photo Ops:
The ghost town of Alta has some relatively well preserved buildings, includng an old boarding house, and some outstanding views of the Lizard Head and Mt Wilson. The Alta Lakes are 3 small lakes at an elevation of 11,300 ft with a dispersed camping area and a hiking trail around the lakes. Fishing, canoeing, picnicing, and scenic views in a lovely alpine setting. Terrific summer wildflower displays in Gold King Basin. There are also some nice vistas of the Ophir Needles.