Buckles Lake Trailhead

About

Buckles Lake Trailhead serves as the access point for a hike in southwestern Colorado, located near Durango and Pagosa Springs in Archuleta County. The trail leads to Buckles Lake and continues to Harris Lake, both of which are reservoirs holding Cutthroat and Brown trout. The route is generally considered easy to moderate, with a total length of approximately 3.5 to 4 miles out-and-back. Elevation ranges from roughly 9,465 to 9,650 feet, with minimal elevation gain of about 120 to 200 feet. The hike typically takes between 1 hour 25 minutes and 2 hours. Fall is a prime season, particularly for viewing aspen groves and orange oak brush. The trail is pet-friendly, allows horses, and parking is available at the trailhead off Buckles Lake Road (FS 663).