Fall Hiking · Delta, CO

Sweitzer Lake

moderateSpring conditions. Water temperatures beginning to rise, increasing fish activity. Shore fishing productive as fish move to shallower water. Ice may still be present at higher elevations in early spring.

Directions

Before you go

Live · nearest station Delta County, 10 mi

Good to go

Good window today. Daylight to 8:14 pm.

79°

Smoky

Feels like 79°

Wind

5 mph NW

UV index

6.1 high

Sun window

6:21 am to 8:14 pm

Uncompahgre River at Delta is running 142 cfs and rising, water 63°.

Distance

—

Elevation gain

79ft

High point

5,044ft

Season

Sep - Nov

About

Sweitzer Lake is a 137-acre warm-water reservoir located just minutes from downtown Delta, Colorado. The lake sits at an elevation of approximately 5,000 feet. The primary hiking option is a 1.0-mile loop that typically takes about two hours to complete. The trail is rated as moderate difficulty. Access is available from September through November. The trailhead includes parking and permits pets. The area is managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife as a day-use only facility. While the lake is known for water sports in summer, the fall hiking offers a quieter experience. The land was originally an alkali draw before a dam was constructed in the 1950s to create the reservoir.

Trail profile

Gain

79 ft

Avg grade

—

Steepest

—

High point

5,044 ft

Good to know

Parking at the trailhead

Dogs allowed on leash

Waypoints

1Main Access Point5,000 ft

2Secondary Access Point4,986 ft

3Deep Pool 24,982 ft

4Shore Access 35,044 ft

5Scenic Overlook4,965 ft

Latest water reportfair

Spring conditions. Water temperatures beginning to rise, increasing fish activity. Shore fishing productive as fish move to shallower water. Ice may still be present at higher elevations in early spring.

Reported Mar 3, 2025Verified

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