The Ultimate Guide to Lake Como in San Juan County

Lake Como is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3,755m (12,319ft) above sea level, located in San Juan County in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.

Lake Como

Where is Lake Como?

The lake is located north of Silverton, parallel to the Million Dollar Highway, and north of California Pass, also known as Poughkeepsie Pass.

Is the Road to Lake Como Unpaved?

The rough road to the lake is completely unpaved. It’s called County Road 19. This is a challenging trail that should only be attempted by those with a well-built vehicle capable of handling very tough conditions. Set high, north of California Pass, a 4x4 high-clearance vehicle is required. The road is quite narrow.

How Long is the Road to Lake Como?

Starting at Animas Forks, a ghost town, the road to the lake is 7.40km (4.6 miles) long.

Is the Road to Lake Como Open in Winter?

Set high in the San Juan Mountains, this road is usually closed from late October through late June or early July, depending on snow conditions. It is not generally snow-free until late June, or even July, in some years.
Pic: Nick Bluth