Summer 2007

Lake Isabel, a hidden gem

By D. Nick Potter

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San Isabel is one of Colorado’s hidden gems. Take Colorado 165 west from I-25, pass through Rye, and wrap your way through the mountain highway’s serene landscape. The passenger in the car will be able to view the picturesque views while the driver must concentrate on the switchback turns.
 

The road seems to be the only manmade thing in this wilderness. From the top of the mountain all you can see is prairie, evergreens, and an occasional deer; the one thing that is missing - civilization.
 

After traveling through the mountain you will come to a summit and see Lake Isabel to your left, along with a small sleepy mountain town. The highway crosses the dam, letting you see the meadow in the background with the canoes, fisherman and the lake in the foreground.
 

Overlooking the lake, the Lodge at San Isabel is a family-owned establishment, a favorite of locals and travels alike. The lodge is known for its juicy hamburgers, delicious Mexican food, homemade pies, and fudge.
 

The Lodge is much more than a restaurant. It offers rental cabins, paddle boats and RV space rentals. The lodge operates as a souvenir shop and a general store for groceries as well as a bait and tackle shop for all your fishing needs.

You can rent a paddle boat from the lodge and take in the mountain scenery while on the water. The views from the paddle boats are amazing. This view allows you to see everything surrounding the lake. Fisherman will be jealous because fish will jump so close to your boat that you going to want to reach out and grab one.

In order to prevent sound pollution, motor boats are not allowed on the lake, just another way to preserve the sheer untouched natural surroundings. However, the trails are open to motorcycles, ATVs, and Jeeps. Most who visit the area choose horseback ridding, hiking and biking as a means of enjoying the many trails in the area.
 

One of the most traveled trails is along the St. Charles River that spills out of the lake. This trail is for travels that are young at heart because its destination is the natural water slides. Depending on the snow fall that winter, the water slides can be very deep and provide fun at no expense.
 

These remote mountains are home to a variety of wildlife. Bighorn sheep live above the timberline and are rarely seen around the lake. Elk, deer, bear, mountain lions and other little critters roam the mountain side. Bears are notorious for being pests around the San Isabel community, so lock your garbage and keep food away from your camp site.
 

San Isabel has a small community of people who reside there year around, despite the often-heavy winter snows. When asked why they chose the area as their home, they said because its one of Colorado’s last secrets. Although local residents enjoy the tourists, they hope to keep it small and known to only a few.
 

You will leave the lake with tired feet and eyes filled with this scenic landscape. On your way back to civilization switch places: be the passenger and make the other person keep their eyes on the road while you enjoy pure nature.