Highland Mary Lakes - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Nestled in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado, the Highland Mary Lakes offer a pristine wilderness experience for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With several hiking trails leading to clear alpine lakes, the area is a popular destination for fishing, camping, and picnicking. For those looking for a more challenging adventure, the nearby 13ers provide ample opportunity for backpacking and scrambling. In addition, the area is home to an abundance of wildlife, including mule deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. Whether you're looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, the Highland Mary Lakes have something to offer everyone.

The Highland Mary Lakes are a group of three lakes in San Juan County, Colorado. The lakes are located in the high country of the San Juan Mountains, at an elevation of over 12,000 feet. The Highland Mary Lakes are named for the wife of early explorer James P. Bradford, who was one of the first to document the lakes in 1874. Bradford named the largest lake after his wife, and the two smaller lakes were named for their daughters. The Highland Mary Lakes have long been popular with backpackers and fishermen, who come to enjoy the spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife. Today, the lakes are protected as part of the San Juan National Forest, and they remain a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers from all over the world.

While the lakes are accessible year-round, the best time to visit is from late June to early October. This is when the weather is warmest and driest, offering hikers ideal conditions for exploring the area.The lakes themselves are also at their fullest during this time, making for spectacular scenery. 

1. The best time to visit Highland Mary Lakes is in the summer when the snow has melted and the temperatures are warm.
2. Make sure to bring plenty of water, as there is no potable water available at the lakes.
3. Pack insect repellent, as there can be mosquitoes and other biting insects present.
4. Although the lakes are located in a remote area, there are still some basic amenities available. There is a small campground near the lakes, as well as a few picnic tables and outhouses.
5. The best way to enjoy the lakes is to take a hike around them. There are several trails that wind through the wilderness area surrounding the lakes.
6. Please respect the fragile environment of the lakes - don't litter or disturb any plants or animals you see.
7. If you’re lucky enough to see one, don’t get too close to the resident elk herd – they can be aggressive if they feel threatened. 

1. The highest of the three lakes is Blue Lake, which has a depth of 30 feet. The middle lake is called Rainbow Lake, and it is 20 feet deep.
2. The smallest and shallowest lake is Green Lake, which has a depth of just 10 feet.
3. The lakes are stocked with trout every year, and they also support a healthy population of native fish species.
4. The area around the lakes is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, bears, and mountain lions.
5. The views from the lakes are truly breathtaking - on a clear day, you can see for miles in all directions.
6. The views from the lakes include several 14ers, peaks that surpass 14,000 feet in elevation. 

The maximum time required to explore all three lakes is approximately six hours. This includes time for hiking, swimming, and enjoying the views. 

To reach the lakes, take Highway 550 north from Durango for about 25 miles. Then turn west onto County Road 380 and follow it for about 5 miles. The lakes are located just off the road, and there is a small parking area where you can leave your car. From the parking area, it is a short hike to the lakes. 

No, there is no entrance fee to explore Highland Mary Lakes. However, parking at the trailhead costs $5 per vehicle per day.

The lakes are open to the public from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. During these months, the lakes are open from sunrise to sunset. The lakes are also open to the public during the winter months, but only on weekends and holidays. The winter hours are from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.