Lake Isabel

Lake Isabel is a lesser-known gem nestled in Colorado's Wet Mountains.  It is not the same place as the more familiar Lake Isabelle in the Brainard Lake basin.  So, where exactly are the Wet Mountains?  They parallel the more prominent Sangre de Christo Range on the east, but are less lofty, shorter in length, and without features like 14ers or sand dunes that attract widespread attention.  True to their name, the Wet Mountains receive plenty of precipitation and are home to some lush pine, spruce & fir forests.  

Lake Isabel from the east; St. Charles Peak beyond

Lake Isabel is conveniently located right next to State highway 165, about 18 miles west of the Colorado City exit from I-25 (Exit 74).  The drive time from Denver is just under 2.5 hours.  An alternate route can be navigated along highways 115, 67 and 165 from the north, which adds a modest 20 minutes.  There are two primary parking areas to access Lake Isabel. The North Shore parking area is 1/4 mile west on forest service road 371, which is the first road north of the dam.  The south parking area is on the east side of highway 165, just south of the dam.  Both parking lots are $10/day fee areas.  An America the Beautiful Pass (national parks pass) is also valid here.  

Vicinity Map [click to enlarge]

    

    Location Info: [key]

    Scenery: 4
    Shoreline Interest: 2
    Use: Moderate
    Fee: $10/day use
    Access: Paved
    Full elev = 8500
    Rec. info 
    Weather 

Lake Isabel checks two of the most important boxes that make it great for stand-up paddleboards.  First of all, it is non-motorized.  Second, the lake's principal use is for recreation so its water level sees minimal fluctuation.  Together, these attributes give the lake a calm, wakeless surface and a nicely vegetated shoreline with no bathtub ring or drawdown.  Lake Isabel's forested and relatively steep surroundings help protect it from wind.  The lake is also small enough that one or two calm corners can usually be found on a breezy day.  Lake Isabel has a trail that follows most of its shoreline, which can be popular with anglers.  Please be aware of anyone casting a line from the shore or from a separate watercraft, and please allow plenty of space.  

Lake Isabel's inviting west shoreline

One reason that Lake Isabel makes a great getaway is the abundance of nearby amenities. Several US Forest Service campgrounds are located close by--a couple are only a few minutes from the shore on foot.  La Vista campground is just 300 yards west of the lake and has the best access to the water.  St. Charles campground is a third of a mile further up the valley.  Both La Vista and St. Charles have good sites for tent camping or RVs.  Southside Campground, on the south side of the lake, is better suited for RVs than for tent camping.  Individual sites in these campgrounds, as well as the USFS Lake Isabel Cabin, are reservable through recreation.gov.  The San Isabel picnic area on the lake's south side is a day use area that also provides access the the shoreline.   

In addition to the forest service campgrounds, The Lodge at San Isabel offers cabin rentals that are a short walk from the lake.  It is located just before the North Shore parking area and  seasonally runs a restaurant and store as well.  Rentals of paddleboards, kayaks and other watercraft are also available at the San Isabel Store.  

Many trips to Lake Isabel also include a stop at Bishop Castle.  The hard-to-miss landmark is 6 miles north of Lake Isabel on the west side of Route 165.  To call it a castle is not an embellishment--the stone structure is impressive, inspired and unique.  Exploring the intricacies of the castle can be an adventure in its own.  The upper reaches of the castle can be a bit unnerving, especially on the expanded metal walkways that cling to the heights of the towers.  Entry into the site is at your own risk.  For more information, check out the castle's website.

Above, A sampling of perspectives from Bishop Castle

Lake Isabel and the surrounding Wet Mountains are a nice change of scenery in an enchanting corner of Colorado.  It is a wonderful place to float around on a stand-up paddleboard and is worth staying for a day or two.  Have fun, stay safe, and maybe find a little bit of fairy-tale!