A Quiet Morning at Opal Lake
Most mornings in my life are made for a hike. On a recent Sunday, the sun was shining and we had nowhere we needed to be. After I finished my cup of coffee, we jumped in the car and headed toward the Rio Blanco area to hike the Opal Lake Trail.
Opal Lake is a relatively short hike, about 2.5 miles out and back, with the first mile a climb to the alpine lake as the trail winds through the forest. There are several small creek crossings along the way and some wildflowers poking their colorful heads above the forest floor - and likely more when we don’t have such a dry summer.
As you finish the uphill portion, the landscape opens up and there it is - Opal lake, tucked beneath jagged mountain peaks and surrounded by pine and aspen forests.
We found a spot by the lake, sat down, and simply enjoyed it for a while. The sun was warm, the mountains were still, and on this particular morning, we had the entire trail and the lake to ourselves.
Living in the Colorado mountains means places like this are close enough to become part of an ordinary day. These are the mornings I never want to take for granted.
If You Go
Opal Lake Trail is in the Rio Blanco area near Pagosa Springs, Colorado. The hike is approximately 2.5 miles round trip, with most of the elevation gain occurring during the first mile. Expect a forested trail, rocky sections, and a few creek crossings.
And bring bug spray for a pest-free experience at the lake.
