Southwestern Colorado is well-known for the spectacular jeep roads that carve paths into the mountains around Silverton, Telluride and Ouray. One of the least-traveled is the nine mile drive up to Clear Lake. To find it, head north from Silverton on US 550 about two miles. Turn left on County Road 7 which is well marked as the turnoff to South Mineral Campground.

The first four miles of County Road 7 are suitable for large RVs and motorhomes. This graded dirt road follows Mineral Creek, where you’ll see beaver huts and ponds, numerous fly fishermen, and lots of streamside camping spots.

The four-wheel drive portion begins at 3.7 miles, where FS 815 climbs up a hill to the right. The left hand fork continues into the South Mineral Campground.

The first part of the road is fairly smooth except for a couple of rocky sections. It climbs through the San Juan National Forest through a continuous series of switchbacks, quickly ascending about timberline. You’ll catch glimpses of the views unfolding beneath you through the dense aspen and conifer forests. But it’s not till you pass tree line that the real fun begins.

First, there is the in-your-face spectacle of peaks like Golden Horn and Vermillion, both just under 14,000 feet and tipped with snow almost year-round. Then there are the far-reaching views of the South Fork of Mineral Creek, Ice Lake Basin, and the verdant valley below.

Then the switchbacks narrow and steepen and the road becomes rockier. Several mine shafts are tucked into the side of the mountain. As you reach the top, a beautiful waterfall on your left is the first hint that the lake is approaching, but you won’t be able to see it until you reach the top.

Finally, just beyond a water crossing, there is Clear Lake. Nestled in a cirque carved by glaciers, this sparkling clear alpine lake is surrounded on three sides by 13,000 foot peaks. Clear Creek flows directly out of the lake to form the waterfall you passed on your way up.

There are no facilities at the lake, but there’s lots of parking and wide open spots for a picnic. Clear Lake is also a local fishing spot.

This is a one-way trip, so return the same way you came in. There is a well-maintained public toilet at the South Mineral Campground.