Emerald Lake (Crested Butte)
A high, green-tinted lake just below Schofield Pass, in the heart of Crested Butte's wildflower country.
About Emerald Lake
This Emerald Lake sits at about 10,450 feet in the Elk Mountains of Gunnison County, a little below Schofield Pass on the rough road north of Crested Butte. You reach it by driving Gothic Road out of Crested Butte past the old townsite of Gothic and continuing up the unpaved road toward the pass.
It is a small lake ringed by forest and steep, flower-covered slopes, and in calm conditions its water lives up to the name. Because it is reachable by road, it works well as a quick stop or as the base for exploring the meadows around Schofield Pass and the upper East River valley — some of the best wildflower ground in Colorado.
The road is the catch. It gets rougher the higher you go, and snow can linger on this stretch well into early summer, so this is a mid-summer and early-fall destination.
A short, easy hike to genuinely emerald-colored water, ringed by pine and wildflower-covered hillsides. It's close enough to town for a half-day trip, and a good spot to bring a paddleboard or just hang a hammock and stay a while — the water's color is most saturated under direct midday sun, which is the rare case where you don't want to wait for golden hour.
History
Schofield Pass, just above the lake, was named for B. F. Schofield, a silver miner, and the road over it once linked the mining districts of Crested Butte with Crystal and Marble on the far side. West of the pass the road drops into Devil's Punchbowl, a notoriously difficult stretch suited only to Jeeps and ATVs.
The lake itself is part of the Gunnison National Forest, and a small Forest Service picnic ground sits along its shore.
Photographing Emerald Lake
Best light: Early morning gives you the best shot at a still surface and the deepest green color before wind ripples the lake. Early July through August is wildflower season around Schofield Pass, and late September aspen color lower on Gothic Road makes the drive itself worth shooting.
Shots to look for
- The lake reflecting the surrounding forested ridges from the shoreline near the picnic ground, wide angle with a polarizer to cut glare and show the color
- Wildflower meadows around Schofield Pass as foreground with layered Elk Mountains ridges beyond
- Gothic townsite cabins with Gothic Mountain behind on the drive up
- Intimate detail shots of columbine and paintbrush along the road cuts in July
Photo tips
- High clearance is recommended for the upper road; drive slowly and yield on narrow sections
- Do not continue west over Schofield Pass into Devil's Punchbowl unless you have a capable 4x4 and experience — it is a serious, dangerous road
- Check road status with the Gunnison Ranger District before going early in the season; snow can keep it closed into summer
- Wildflower meadows are fragile — stay on existing paths when composing
- Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July; plan to shoot early
Know before you go
- This is a different lake from Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park
- The road beyond Gothic is unpaved and rough; conditions vary year to year
- There is no cell service for much of the drive
- High elevation — bring layers even in summer
Prints from Emerald Lake
Every photo is available as a print on metal, canvas, wood or fine art paper.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Emerald Lake near Crested Butte?
Drive north from Crested Butte on Gothic Road past Gothic and continue up the unpaved road toward Schofield Pass. The lake sits just below the pass.
Do you need 4WD to reach Emerald Lake?
A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the upper road, and conditions change with weather and snowmelt. Check with the Gunnison Ranger District before you go.
When is the best time to visit?
Early July through August for wildflowers, or late September for fall color on the drive, once the road is clear of snow.
Featured in: Best Alpine Lake Hikes in Colorado · Best Wildflower Hikes in Colorado
Combine it with
Gothic · Schofield Pass · Crested Butte · Judd Falls
More Colorado spots
Sources & further reading: denvergazette.com · topoquest.com · trails.colorado.gov · en.wikipedia.org. Conditions, fees and rules change; check with the managing agency before you go.