If you’re searching for a hidden gem that is literally hidden among the wilderness and rugged mountains of Colorado, Pomeroy Lake fits the bill.
In fact, it’s likely that those who travel to this beautiful little water hole will be in the .00001% of the population who ever actually lay eyes on it at some point in their lives.
Here are five reasons you’ve got to make plans to add your name to the short list of people lucky enough to experience Pomeroy Lake’s beauty.
About Pomeroy Lake
Pomeroy Lake is nestled deep in the San Isabel National Forest in remote Chaffee County, Colorado.
The lake sits at an elevation of approximately 12,000 feet, making it one of the higher-altitude lakes you’ll find in the state.
And as a glacial lake, its water is clear, cold, and a beautiful turquoise blue color since it’s fed by snowmelt and natural springs.
The surrounding area is rich in mining history, with remnants of the 19th-century gold rush era still visible in nearby ghost towns and abandoned mines.
Between the lake itself and the awesome surrounding wilderness, Pomeroy Lake offers the perfect mixture of natural beauty, tranquility, and adventure for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
5 Reasons You’ll Love Visiting Pomeroy Lake
The Gnarly Hike Or Ride In
Pomeroy Lake is a haven for hikers. The trails leading to the lake are renowned for their natural beauty and varying difficulty levels, catering to both seasoned hikers and beginners.
The Pomeroy Lake OHV Trail in particular is especially challenging and rewarding, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Collegiate Peaks, vibrant wildflower displays in the summer, and potentially a glimpse of a number of different wildlife.
This trail caters to both hikers and off-road riders, the latter of whom will need a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle to make it through the rugged trail to the lake beyond.
Excellent Fishing With A View
Pomeroy Lake makes for an excellent fishing hole for those who pack in their poles and gear.
It’s stocked with cutthroat trout and rainbow crossed with cutthroat trout, and makes for very good fly fishing or shore fishing.
Not only will you make out well catching fish here, but wetting a line at Pomeroy Lake is about as peaceful and scenic as it gets for anglers.
You’ll rarely share the lake with anyone besides who you come with, all the while able to view the epic mountains that almost rise up straight from the rear of the lake as your backdrop.
Camping In Complete Solitude
For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life or crowded campgrounds, Pomeroy Lake offers a perfect retreat.
There are several camping spots to set up camp around the lake, providing a rustic and immersive experience in the heart of the San Isabel wilderness.
Though you will occasionally see other campers here, the lake and spots to set up camp around it are plenty spaced out so you’ll still feel secluded and have a peaceful experience.
Couple that with the fact that you can unzip your tent in the morning to a view of the beautiful, clear waters of Lake Pomeroy with the mountains towering behind and it’s hard to beat pitching a tent in this spot.
Photography and Wildlife Viewing
Pomeroy Lake is nothing short of captivating for wildlife enthusiasts and those who enjoy snapping photographs of rugged locations whose natural beauty is untouched.
The clear water of the lake reflecting the surrounding mountains that loom over it provides plenty of opportunity for a unique photo.
And you’ll have a decent chance of encountering deer, elk and a number of different bird species that call the lake and surrounding wilderness home.
Snowy Getaway In The Winter
It’s well-known that snowfall absorbs sound and makes the surrounding area that much more quiet.
But the silence at Lake Pomeroy after a recent snowfall is incredible, as you literally won’t hear a thing.
And at its high elevation in the Colorado mountains, Pomeroy Lake sees plenty of snow from late fall to mid-spring.
For those who care to venture to it in these snowy conditions, the trek up to and down from the lake makes for excellent backcountry skiing or snowshoeing.
The snow-covered landscape provides a different kind of beauty, and the isolation of the area during winter months adds to its charm if you’re seeking to get away for a bit.
Final Note
While getting to the secluded Pomeroy Lake in the Colorado mountains is not easy, it’s totally worth the trip.
It’s one of the few actual hidden “hidden gems” in the state, and the beauty it hides is simply breathtaking.