Forget Bear Lake, Visit The Western Region's Lesser-Known, High-Elevation Escape With Fishing And Clear Waters

Hike the easy 1.4-mile out-and-back trail at Rocky Mountain National Park, and you could find yourself standing at the edge of Bear Lake gazing at its sparkling alpine waters. Sure, this popular, high-elevation escape is worth seeing, but more than likely you'll be sharing the scenery with many other parkgoers. For a more peaceful retreat, head to Lizard Lake between Marble and the old mining town of Crystal, Colorado. Nestled quietly inside White River National Forest, this 5-acre backcountry lake is the kind of place where you can cast a line, hike secluded trails, and soak up the simple joys of being outdoors — without competing for parking or applying for seasonal online permits.

Lizard Lake is a true hidden gem, and those are getting harder to find these days, especially as record numbers of travelers head west in search of outdoor escapes. So, what's the secret? It's not easy to get here. The secluded lake is tucked away on Crystal City Road #314, a rough, narrow road, requiring a 4-wheel-drive vehicle to handle its winding terrain. Alternatively, those without a 4-wheel-drive vehicle can hike up the road instead while taking in views of Sheep, Whitehouse, and Hat Mountains along the way. Once there, you might find a mix of locals, anglers, and photographers aiming to capture the surrounding alpine scenery, aspen forests, open meadows, and the remnants of the nearby ghost town of Crystal.

Sitting at roughly 8,700 feet high in the Rocky Mountains, Lizard Lake's clear, tranquil waters create a lovely setting. At first glance, it looks small, but don't let its compact appearance fool you. Some believe that it's one of the state's deepest lakes. Although that claim has never been verified, it's known for the steep drop-offs just steps from the shore. This is likely linked to its volcanic origins, adding another layer of character to this incredible high-elevation hideaway.

Part of the fun of heading to Lizard Lake is the journey itself. You'll pass through Marble, one of Colorado's wildly underrated mountain towns, and the slow, winding drive along Crystal River offers lots of places to pull over and stretch your legs. Once you arrive, you'll have even more reason to slow down as the lovely scenes of the calm waters reflecting the rising peaks will grab your attention. Here's what a Facebook user had to say: "Lizard Lake is one of those places that feels almost untouched. Surrounded by aspens, towering peaks, and crystal-clear waters, this peaceful alpine lake is part of the scenic route toward Crystal and the famous Crystal Mill."

When you're ready to cast a line, Lizard Lake is a quiet spot that has casual fishing for a few species of trout. The lake is stocked sporadically, so fishing here is hit or miss. But that's part of the fun, as you can drop a line to see if luck is on your side. Native cutthroat trout, wild brook trout, or rainbow trout are known to swim in the waters, but in case the fish aren't biting, you don't have to go too far. Hike to the banks of nearby Crystal River, a favorite fly fishing destination in Colorado, according to the Marble Tourism Association. It offers anglers excellent fly-fishing opportunities, with a chance to catch good-sized rainbow trout and mountain whitefish. Or consider continuing your alpine adventure inside White River National Forest at nearby Snowmass Lake, another high-elevation gem with crystal-clear waters. Just bring your Colorado fishing license and know the local regulations before heading out.