Clear Lake

Clear Lake is a compact, mountain lake above Georgetown that offers a scenic, high-country paddleboard experience a short distance from Denver.  With substantially less visibility and wind exposure than better-known Georgetown lake, it features calm waters and steep, forested shorelines.  

Clear Lake

Clear Lake is close enough to Denver to visit in a half-day from the metro area.  It also makes for a refreshing late day add-on after a hike of Mt. Bierstadt, Square Top Mtn, or other Guanella Pass area trails.  Interstate 70 traffic can be heavy on summer weekends, so check travel speeds before heading up.  Sometimes a good window can be found on Saturday afternoons when earlier recreators have already left and return traffic to Denver is lighter than on Sundays.  Late afternoon and early evening also tend to be calmer than mid-day.  

Vicinity Map

    Location Info: [key]

    Scenery: 4
    Shoreline Interest: 2
    Non-motorized
    Use: Moderate
    Fee: None
    Access: Gravel
    Full elev = 9860; 

    Best near full
    Weather

Clear Lake is the second water body in of a series of lakes along the Guanella Pass Road (CR 381) when approaching from the Georgetown (north) side, about 4.5 miles from town.  The first lake--picturesque Green Lake--is privately owned.  The third lake--unsightly Lower Cabin Creek Reservoir--is part of a Xcel Energy pumped hydroelectric storage operation.  A fourth reservoir, visible from the water, sits 1200 feet up the western slope of the valley and serves as the counterpart to the hydropower system--effectively an large battery.  Clear lake is also within public utility property, but is open to non-motorized use.  Be sure to read the informational sign at the turn-off and respect the stated regulations. 

Clear Lake [map link]

Calm water on Clear Lake

Despite the nearby disturbances, Clear Lake manages to maintain a mountainous character.  The southern part of the lake narrows down near the inlet of South Clear Creek.  Separated from the road and parking area, the inlet features tranquil shorelines on both sides and calm waters.  On the eastern side of the inlet, there are some large, blocky, boulders under the water surface.  that create unique optical effects when juxtaposed on the surrounding reflections.  This small lake, and the southern inlet in particular, are popular with anglers, so be respectful of fishing lines while paddling through the water.  

Clear Lake - South Clear Creek Inlet

Clear Lake can be a great, quick getaway from the city on a hot summer day.  Check traffic before heading up the interstate.  If the air is calm, nearby Georgetown Lake can also be nice for a change of scenery.  Georgetown Lake is also a good plan B if the water level is significantly drawn down.  Have fun and stay safe!

Please feel free to add observations of current conditions to the comments!