Lake San Cristobal — Lake City Southern Viewpoint

Lake San Cristobal is a legitimate geological wonder — it exists because the Slumgullion Earthflow, one of the largest active landslides in North America, dammed the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River roughly 700 years ago. The result is a 2-mile-long alpine lake sitting at 9,000 feet with the San Juan peaks rising in every direction. Coming down from Cinnamon Pass or heading up the Lake Fork valley to start the Alpine Loop, you’ll pass right along its eastern shore on County Road 30. It’s a clean, beautiful pull-through that tells you immediately you’re in serious mountain country.

The lake is a legitimate fishing destination for rainbow and brown trout. A small public boat ramp exists on the eastern shore. The Slumgullion Earthflow itself — still moving at a few feet per year — is visible from a signed pullout on CO-149 south of Lake City. Combine that stop with this one. Cell signal is weak to nonexistent once you drop into the valley. Lake City proper is 2 miles north and has fuel, food, and limited supplies.

Landslide-dammed alpine lake, gateway to the Loop.