VISITOR INFORMATION
Welcome to Lake City, a historic mining town tucked
into a valley in the San Juan Mountains of southwest
Colorado.  Our elevation is 8671 feet. We enjoy over
300 days of sunshine every year and a cool, dry climate.

Services
We have many restaurants and lodging facilities, three
gas stations, grocery and convenience stores, history
museum, arts council, movie theatre, retail stores, a bar,
and recreation department.  We have a doctor and
skilled staff at our medical center, plus well-trained
search and rescue and EMS technicians.  High-speed
internet access is available at our public library and at
local businesses.  Go to www.lakecity.com for a
complete listing of local businesses, or pick up a
brochure at our visitor center.

Getting Here
Lake City is located about 55 miles south of Gunnison
on State Highway 149, and 74 miles north of South
Fork.  The closest airports are the Gunnison-Crested
Butte Regional Airport (GUC), about 1 hour away, and
the Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), about 2 hours
away.  Both airports have car rentals.  

Weather
Summer daytime highs are typically in the mid to upper
70s.  Lows in the summer are in the low 40s or upper
30s.  Temperatures at higher elevations are usually
lower than in town.  For current road conditions, call the
CDOT hotline at 877-315-7623.

Lightning
Thunderstorms are typical daily occurrences during the
summer, especially during July and August.  Locally, we
refer to this as the “monsoon” or rainy season.  Stay off
ridges and away from open ground to avoid lightning
strikes.  Longer hikes are best started very early in the
morning so that you can be down off the mountain
when the lightning starts.  

The Sun
It is essential to wear eye protection, a hat, and
sunscreen when outdoors.  The sun is many times more
intense here than at sea level.

Altitude
Gains in altitude can affect anyone, especially when
traveling above 7000 feet.  Sometimes, the effects can
make you sick.  Symptoms can include: headaches,
breathlessness, fatigue, nausea or vomiting, inability to
sleep, swelling of the face, hands, or feet.  Some ways to
reduce your symptoms: avoid strenuous activity for the
first day or two, drink extra fluids, and avoid alcohol.  
Check with your doctor before going to high altitude if
you have a heart or lung condition.  If your symptoms
worsen, consult a physician immediately.

Tips for Visitors
Courtesy of Arden Anderson, BLM

Use Vehicles Responsibly
Each area has rules that govern vehicle use.  Learn and
follow these rules for each area you visit.  Stay on
designated or existing routes and out of closed areas.  
Limit your driving in wet conditions to avoid road
damage.

Leave No Trace
Remove all evidence of your visit so others will find these
areas as beautiful as you do.  Take care of public
facilities.  Leave wild flowers and other natural objects for
others to enjoy.  Do not deface or dismantle historic or
archaeological sites.

Respect Other Visitors
You share these lands with many others; make sure
your fun is not ruining the experience for others around
you.  Minimize noise, keep pets under control, and drive
safely on narrow roads and trails.   

Keep Wildlife Wild
Careless visitors can unknowingly disturb the many
species of wildlife present on public lands.  Do not feed
the animals.  Enjoy them from a distance.  Move quietly
through the woods, especially in stream side areas.

Respect Private Property
It is your responsibility to know where you are.  Be sure
you have legal access to the places you want to enjoy.  

Have a Safe Trip
Changing weather and difficult terrain can pose hazards
to the unprepared visitor.  Be sure someone knows
where you are going and when you plan to return.  Be
ready for changing conditions and stay within your
capabilities.

For more information about backcountry recreation:

Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Lake City Office
800 S Gunnison Ave.
Lake City, CO 81235
970-944-2344

Gunnison National Forest
Lake City Office
800 S Gunnison Ave.
Lake City, CO 81235
970-944-2500

Visitor Center
Silver Thread and Alpine Loop Interpretive Center
800-569-1874
970-944-2527
800 S Gunnison Ave.
www.lakecity.com
Email
© Danielle Worthen
© Ray Blaum
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