Venable Lake

Managing agency

GMUG NF — Ouray RD

Venable Lake is a 2.7-mile out-and-back trail located in Colorado near Colorado, offering hikers a moderate day hike with 1,018 feet of elevation gain. The trail climbs steadily through forest terrain to reach an alpine lake, providing both accessible distance and meaningful vertical challenge suitable for intermediate hikers. The route follows a consistent uphill grade, making it a straightforward navigation experience without complex junctions. The elevation gain is substantial enough to feel like a workout while the distance keeps it manageable for most hikers looking to complete the round trip in a half day. Venable Lake rewards the climb with a scenic alpine destination, typical of Colorado's lake basin hikes. The wilderness area designation indicates the trail passes through protected backcountry, though the moderate distance suggests it remains reasonably accessible to the general hiking population. Best visited during summer and early fall months when snow clears the high elevation passes, this trail works well for hikers seeking a concentrated alpine experience without requiring technical skills or extensive time commitment.