06/01/2026
If you’re looking for a day trip that will make your camera roll very happy…. Add Kite Lake to your summer adventure list.
Located beyond the Rio Grande Reservoir, this high-alpine destination offers wildflowers, stunning mountain scenery, and water so blue it almost looks photoshopped.
📍 Getting to Kite Lake from South Fork
From South Fork, head north on Highway 149 toward Creede. About 20 miles past Creede, turn west onto Forest Road 520 at the Rio Grande Reservoir turnoff. Follow the graded dirt road along the reservoir to its western end. Beyond the reservoir, the road becomes rougher and is best suited for high-clearance vehicles. Continue toward Beartown and follow signs toward Kite Lake. The final stretch climbs into a stunning alpine basin at over 12,000 feet. Expect approximately 2 to 2.5 hours each way, depending on road conditions.
Or have Mountain Skillz take you up (they provided this gorgeous photo)
