Lake City is home to several 14,000' mountain peaks; Uncompahgre, Sunshine, Handies, Red Cloud and Wetterhorn. Tucked into the grassy canyon where Henson Creek and the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River meet, Lake City is a state secret. Hike in any of the national forests (600,000 acres) that surround this small town. Close by is the Curecanti National Rec Area and the Grand Mesa National Forest. The Alpine Scenic Loop Byway begins in town and runs through Ouray and then on to Silverton on 65 miles of dirt and gravel roads. The backcountry byway has some of the most stunning four wheel driving in the world! The Silver Thread Historic Byway (Highway 149) ribbons through the communities of South Fork, Creede and Lake City in the San Juan Mountains, once a toll road and stage route for miners, is a 75 mile paved highway.

Try boating on spectacular Lake San Cristobal, Colorado's 2nd largest natural lake - approximately 350 acres. Fish for rainbow trout in the swirling Lake Fork River or explore the Victorian charm of downtown with over 75 buildings from the late 1800s - one of Colorado's largest historical districts. Both Henson and Capitol city are old ghost towns located less than 10 miles west of Lake City. Lake City's history is mild compared to the more notorious mining towns. However, one story refuses to disappear: Alferd Packer. In 1874, Packer convinced some prospectors to let him guide them through the snow-covered mountains. Six weeks later, he appeared 76 miles to the Northeast alone with a beard and long hair. He claimed to have survived on roots and berries. However, the truth soon came out and Packer was accused of murder and cannibalism and sentenced to hang in 1883 at Lake City's courthouse. Packer got off on a legality of an unconstitutional trial though, and ended up only serving 5 years in jail.

Lake City is near: Creede & Gunnison