Potato Lake Trailhead

About

The Potato Lake Trailhead, located in the San Juan National Forest south of Durango on the Western Slope, offers a moderate 2-mile round-trip hike to an alpine lake at approximately 9,357 feet. The trail is accessible from September through November and typically takes about two hours to complete with minimal elevation gain. Access requires navigating Old Lime Creek Road, which is described as rocky and uneven, making a high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicle advisable. While parking is available at the trailhead, restrooms are not consistently confirmed as onsite amenities in all sources. The route passes through aspen groves and conifer forests, providing views of Engineer Mountain, Grayrock Peak, and the West Needle Mountains. The trail is pet-friendly and suitable for families, though the rough road may be challenging for those sensitive to bumpy rides.